Accra, Aug. 18, GNA - The Convention People's Party (CPP) on Wednesday expressed relief at the news of the lifting of the state of emergency imposed on the Tamale Municipality and the Yendi District since March 2002.

A statement issued to the GNA in Accra and signed by Mr Nii Noi Dowuona, General Secretary, said the Party recognised that lasting peace could only be restored when justice took its natural course.

It, therefore, called on the Government to take urgent steps to resolve within the shortest possible time all outstanding issues that led to the events of March 2002 resulting in the death of Ya-Na Yakubu Andani II, Paramount Chief Dagbon Traditional Area and 30 others. The Party congratulated the people of Dagbon for their tolerance and fortitude and also for their cooperation with the security forces during the period.

The CPP, however, noted that it was sad that the state of emergency lasted for nearly two and a half years for which residents in the Dagbon Traditional Area had to undergo a great deal of inconveniences with attendant sense of insecurity.

It, therefore, called on its members to be law abiding and not to engage in acts that would disrupt the relative peace prevailing in the areas.

"Members are entreated to intensify the ongoing organisational programme to select candidates to contest Election 2004."

The Party said it was committed to efforts at resolving the matter that brought about the state of emergency to pave the way for a peaceful and successful campaigning and elections.