LIBERIA:

On August 8, The Guardian reported that "Liberian rebels and government soldiers, some aged 12 or even younger, are assaulting thousands of girls and women under the cover of war, aid workers said yesterday. More than 600 rapes have been documented in Monrovia since July, but that is thought to be a small fraction of the real figure." For more information go to www.guardian.co.uk.

On August 18, the government and two rebel groups - Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, and the Movement for Democracy in Liberia - signed an accord to end the war by sharing power in an interim government. Kofi Annan called on all parties to seize the opportunity to work together to restore peace and stability in the war-torn country.

IRAQ
August 19, 2003:

In a video message to all UN staff following the bombing of a hotel serving as UN headquarters in Baghdad Kofi Annan said: "Many of us will remember the 19th of August as the darkest day in our lives at the United Nations." He called the bombing attack "an act so savage and senseless that we can hardly believe it really happened. It feels like a nightmare, from which we are still hoping to wake. If only it were," he added.

An invitation to a candlelight vigil for those killed read: The men and women who died were humanitarians on a mission of peace and goodwill. We honor their devotion to their work and to the people of Iraq. The mission of the UN must and will continue.

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