VOA News
02 Jul 2003, 11:16 UTC
U.N. officials say Liberian President Charles Taylor has rejected a Nigerian offer of safe haven if he were to agree to step down as leader of the war-torn country.
The Associated Press quotes unnamed U.N. officials as saying Mr. Taylor rejected the offer, in part because it was not clear if it would protect him from a U.N. indictment he faces on war crimes charges.
British U.N. Ambassador Jeremy Greenstock, who is leading a Security Council delegation visiting the region, said he will leave it up to Nigeria to make public any details regarding the offer. But he stressed that the United Nations would not allow those who commit gross abuses of human rights to escape prosecution.
Tuesday, White House said it has not ruled out sending U.S. troops to lead a peacekeeping force in Liberia to end fighting between government forces and rebels trying to overthrow President Taylor. President Bush met with national security advisers Tuesday about the war ravaged West African nation but reportedly reached no conclusions. Rebels control about half the country and are demanding President Taylor give up power. President Bush has also called for his resignation.
Some information for this report provided by AP.
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