This warning goes out to prominent Liberian political figures and 
social reform activists regarding Taylor's latest invitation to the so-
called reconciliation conference in Monrovia. According to a press 
release, exiled Liberian politicians, the LURD and human rights 
advocates are being invited to smoke peace pipe.

Why would anyone dare to go into Taylor's land of lethal anarchy? What 
I envisioned is that the reconciliation conference is organized as a 
springboard to capture these prominent Liberians for hostage. I may 
sound cynical, however, it my personal expression judging from Taylor's 
track record of dishonesty. Taylor wants international attention and 
would use every trick in the books to get it. Prominent Liberian 
politicians, who Taylor considers as bitter oppositions are target for 
Taylor's ransom, a way to compromise his survival and stave-off or 
weaken the current opposing forces. 
As I write, I imagine a special diabolic network of Taylor's security 
has been set up to ambush these invited conference guest upon arrival 
for ransom. The man is incapable to govern! Reconciliation and the need 
to prioritize basic ingredients of democracy should have dominated his 
administration's agenda since the 1997 election, which brought him to 
power. Taylor's lips, utterances and track record of incongruity since 
his insurgence to oust Doe, have proven detrimental to the survival of 
Liberia’s image to the international community.

As a matter of fact, no amount of word(s) would convince virtually 
anyone domiciled in the U.S. or else where in the world to attend 
Taylor's so-called reconciliation conference. Taylor's autocratic style 
of management is characterized by hatred, mistrust and unlawful 
accountability, with which most prominent exiled Liberian politicians, 
journalists, activists do not appreciate.  
Here's my recommendation to Liberia’s Charles Taylor, if he's really 
itchy for genuine reconciliation and peace:

1. Practice liberalization---this entails a mix of policy and social 
changes.
(a) A greater space for organization of working class activities
(b) Loosing the grip on media censorship
(c) Tolerate political opposition 
(d) Prioritize legal safeguards for individuals---habeas corpus etc.
(e) Restructuring and orientation for the nation's security to respect 
the sanctity of human life.

2. Practice democratization, which entails liberalization but with a 
more and wider political concept.
(a) Provide the atmosphere for open contestation for the right to 
control government through competitive elections, in turn which 
determine who governs.
(b) Ensure and recognize the legitimate right of political 
institutions' right to campaign freely through out Liberia without 
harassment, intimidation and arbitrary arrest.

(3) In order to regain trust and security would require sincere 
reaching-out campaigns.
(a)Organize a national reconciliation conference (with Taylor's 
presence) through the U.N., U.S., ULAA, ALJA, Liberian political 
parties, LURD and other interesting agencies or parties. 
(b) Since there is no trust and respect for Monrovia security, such 
conference should be held in a neutral country (eg) the United States 
or any other country except Boukina Faso, Libya and La Cote D'voire. I 
would prefer the U.S. with the presence of Charles Taylor and 
delegation.

I strongly believe that if these measures are taken by Taylor, the 
gradual rekindling of trust and hope for national stability and peace 
would be a starting point.  
     
SEE BELOW THE NAMES OF LARGE NUMBER OF EXILED LIBERIANS INVITED FOR THE 
RECONCILIATION CONFERENEC IN MONROVIA:

Former Vice President Dr. Harry Moniba of the Samuel K.Doe 
administration, former Vice President Bennie Warner of the William 
R.Tolbert administration, former Interim President Amos Sawyer and 
former Transitional Leader David Kpomakpor.

Exiled politicians invited for the conference include Unity Party 
Standard Bearer Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, former President Pro Tempore of 
the Senate Charles Walker Brumskine, former Chief Justice Chea Cheapoo, 
former faction leader Alhaji G.V. Kromah, former transitional lawmaker 
George Dweh, LURD spokesman Charles Bennie, leader of the disbanded 
INPFL, Gen. Prince Y. Johnson, former ULIMO-J leader Roosevelt Johnson, 
LURD Battlefront Commander Chris Farley, LURD military advisor Joe 
Wylie, LURD executive Lavela Supuwood and President Taylor's former 
Media Advisor, Milton Teahjay.

Others include former Council of State members Dexter Tahyor, Cllr. 
Philip Banks and Dr. Vamba Kanneh. Former Transport Minister Francis 
Carbah, former faction leader Dr. George E. S. Boley, presidential 
candidate Dr. H.Boima Fahnbulleh, eminent citizen and former Secretary 
of State J. Rudolph Grimes, newspaper publisher Tom Kamara and former 
Foreign Minister Momolu V.S. Sirleaf.

Still others are the former Director of the Catholic Justice and Peace
Commission (JPC), Samuel Kofi Woods, Executive Director of the Center 
for
Democratic Empowerment (CEDE), Conmany W.B. Wesseh, New DEAL National
Chairman Alaric Tokpa, Dusty Wolokolie, Gayah Fahnbulleh and Prof. 
Willie Belleh.

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