The Security Council expressed concern at the findings of the investigative panel about the Liberian government, the Guinean-backed Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) and other armed groups concerning breaches of Resolution 1343. It welcomed the launch of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme on 1 January 2003 and the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and International Contact Group on Liberia to bring about peace and stability in the region, particularly the appointment of Nigerian President Atiku Abubakar as mediator in Liberia. Furthermore, the Council noted positive progress the Rabat Process had made in the subregion and urged members of the Mano River Union to reinvigorate the process, while civil society initiatives were also encouraged.