The Transitional Government has announced that last weekend's riots that cost the lives of innocent people were well organized and financed by some unidentified individuals.

The Government emphasized that the violence did not happen by mistake, but that it was organized and financed to achieve a certain objective. Information Minister Dr. C. William Allen told reporters Monday following an emergency cabinet meeting held at the Executive Mansion, which was chaired by Head of State Gyude Bryant, that preliminary investigation conducted by the Government indicates that the riots were orchestrated.

Quoting Chairman Bryant, the Minister said had Government not had intelligence in place, what happened at the weekend would have been far worse. Minister Allen declined to give the identity of the "hidden hands" on grounds that such information could compromise the ongoing investigation.

But the Minister disclosed that more than 20 persons who were arrested in connection to the violent riots have revealed the names of certain people. According to Minister Allen, Chairman Bryant informed members of the cabinet that so far, 208 persons sustained injuries during the riots. Out of this figure, 47 persons are critical and 12 persons have been confirmed dead. Minister Allen said 20 home-made petrol bombs were arrested with large quantity of ammunition and one automatic riffle. The Information Minister also said the Government has acknowledged the official end of the disarmament process on October 31, 2004.

As a result, he reminded that the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) has commenced the search for hidden weapons in Monrovia and other parts of the country. During this process, he stressed that anyone found with arms will be arrested for violating the law.

However, he clarified that in Grand Kru and parts of Lofa Counties, the disarmament process would continue because the process there got off from a late start. The Minister also said that the curfew was still in force, and may be lifted depending on advice from the security agencies.

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