VOA News
27 Jun 2003, 16:43 UTC
The main rebel group in Liberia has declared an immediate cease-fire after days of intense fighting in the capital, Monrovia.
The rebels, known as Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, released a statement earlier Friday saying they wished to avoid a humanitarian catastrophe by allowing the delivery of relief supplies for civilians in the besieged coastal city.
But LURD rebels also said they will maintain their military positions and retain the right to fire if fired upon. It is unclear if the government has agreed to observe the rebel truce. The latest upsurge in fighting has killed hundreds of people and displaced thousands of others. Many civilians have been forced in the streets of Monrovia to escape the violence; others have sought refuge in diplomatic missions.
Just last week, the warring sides signed a truce agreement which calls for an interim government excluding President Charles Taylor. However, Mr. Taylor has insisted he will serve out his term until January.
In neighboring Ghana, West African mediators announced a suspension of peace negotiations as a result of the latest upsurge in violence. Meanwhile, calls are growing for an intervention force in Liberia.
Earlier this week, Britain's U.N. Ambassador Jeremy Greenstock proposed the United States lead such an operation. But there is no indication the United States has any plans to do so.
During a speech in Washington Thursday, President Bush urged President Taylor to step aside to avoid further bloodshed.
Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.
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