Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) mediator for the Liberian peace process Abdulsalami Abubakar has arrived in Liberia's capital Monrovia on an peace process assessment mission.

Abubakar told journalists Wednesday that his visit would enable him "to gauge the implementation of the peace agreement and discuss with the stakeholders on preparations for the elections as well as other issues, particularly developments" since his last visit in February.

According to ECOWAS officials, Abubakar's mission is to prepare for national elections scheduled for October 2005.

Under the August 2003 Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed in Accra, Ghana, legislative and presidential elections were scheduled for November this year before the interim government hands over the helm in January 2006.

Abubakar stressed the need for Liberians to continue to work toward the realization of the objectives enshrined in the Accra peace agreement.

This, he added, was necessary, so that the country could return to durable peace which would enable the government to address its development challenges.

Abubakar advised them against dwelling on the negative, reminding them of their responsibility to contribute toward the creation of an atmosphere that would encourage enhanced donor support.

He urged them to work toward an environment that would enable the country to return to the path of sustainable peace and stability which the country desperately needs.

He said that ECOWAS was committed to the promotion of transparency, good governance and accountability in the country, an obligation that was reinforced by some provisions in the peace agreement. During the five-day visit, the mediator will discuss arrangements for the elections with the electoral commission.

He will also discuss the problems associated with the resettlement of internally displaced persons and other issues that will facilitate the implementation of the Accra agreement.

Source: Xinhua