DATE=10/11/00
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-267747
TITLE=LIBERIA / FIGHTING (L-O)
BYLINE=LUIS RAMIREZ
DATELINE=WEST AFRICA BUREAU
CONTENT:
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Fighting between rebels and government forces in northern Liberia has sent thousands of civilians fleeing. Correspondent Luis Ramirez reports from our West Africa bureau.
TEXT: Reports from the region say 10-thousand civilians have left northern Lofa County in recent days. Relief workers say many of the displaced have taken refuge in the central Liberian town of Gbarnga (pron: BAHRN'-guh).
Liberian government officials say the rebels have attacked towns in the area around Zorzor, about 200-kilometers northwest of the capital, Monrovia. The government (Wednesday) says it has re-taken control of the region. The government's report was not independently confirmed.
The identity of the rebels is not clear. The insurgents began their attacks last July, and the government of Liberia says they are getting support from neighboring Guinea.
Guinea denies the accusation and has accused Liberia of supporting dissidents who are fighting the government of Guinean President Lansana Conte. More than 100-people have been killed in skirmishes along Guinea's borders with Liberia and Sierra Leone in recent months.
Guinea's president called last month for citizens and soldiers to mobilize against those responsible for the attacks, which he blamed on mercenaries.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) had planned to start a massive food relief drive Monday in parts of northern Liberia, but had to cancel its plans due to concerns that there might be more attacks. (SIGNED)
NEB/LR/KL/RAE
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