VOA News
17 Jun 2003, 21:18 UTC
Liberian government and rebel negotiators have signed a cease-fire agreement calling for a government that would not include President Charles Taylor.
Negotiators at peace talks in Ghana said before the signing ceremony Tuesday that under the deal, the parties would begin discussions to set up a transitional government within 30 days. They said Mr. Taylor will not be part of that administration.
The accord also allows for the possible deployment of an international stabilization force in the war-torn country.
Liberian Defense Minister Daniel Chea, who signed the agreement for his government, expressed confidence it will help Liberia avoid further bloodshed.
News of the cease-fire set off street celebrations in Monrovia, Liberia's capital, which the rebels have besieged for almost two weeks.
President Taylor did not issue a statement regarding Tuesday's truce, but earlier this month he said he would consider stepping down in the interest of peace.
His remark came after a U.N.-backed war crimes court indicted him for crimes committed during Sierra Leone's 10-year civil war.
Liberia's rebel factions control two-thirds of the country and have demanded Mr. Taylor's resignation.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
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