DATE=10-11-2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
NUMBER=2-267777
TITLE=U-S/LIBERIA SANCTIONS (L)
BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United States is banning visits by members of Liberia's government, accusing leaders of the West African nation of continuing to support rebels in neighboring Sierra Leone through the illegal sale of diamonds. Correspondent Nick Simeone has more from the State Department.
TEXT: President Clinton is accusing the Liberian government of continuing to fuel the war in Sierra Leone by helping the Revolutionary United Front rebels in that country to sell diamonds for weapons. In response, Liberian President Charles Taylor, members of his government, its supporters and their families are now banned from entering the United States.
Sierra Leone is one of the world's poorest countries but is rich in diamond deposits in areas now held by R-U-F rebels. Sales of those diamonds, though, are banned by the United Nations.
In May, documents found at the home of rebel leader Foday Sankoh showed he was shipping diamonds through Liberia in exchange for weapons. Despite strong denials by Liberia's president, the United States and other countries have for months been warning President Taylor to stop trading in illicit diamonds or else see Liberia placed under sanctions. And the Clinton Administration finally took action Wednesday.
U-S officials anticipate the travel ban imposed on the Liberian government could provoke an angry reaction. In response, the State Department is ordering a draw down of American staff at the U-S embassy in Monrovia and is advising Americans to avoid travel to the country at this time. (SIGNED)
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