VOA News
11 Jul 2003, 17:37 UTC
Liberia's main rebel group has threatened to use force against any peacekeepers sent to the country before President Charles Taylor steps down.
The Liberian United for Reconciliation and Democracy Friday, called on President Taylor to leave the country immediately, and warned that any troops deployed before then "must be prepared" for a firefight. President Taylor has said he will step down only after troops are in place to ensure an orderly transfer of power.
Rebels are camped on the outskirts of the capital, Monrovia, after a successful offensive last month inside the city. The fighting killed hundreds of civilians, displacing tens of thousands of others.
On Friday, the U.N. World Food Program warned that more than 100,000 refugees outside Monrovia are cut off from aid workers and could soon face starvation. The U.N. deputy director for West Africa, Arnold Vercken, says trucks are loaded and ready to deliver assistance, but will not move until their security is guaranteed.
Under pressure from the international community, the United States is considering sending troops to help stabilize Liberia and bolster a truce. Secretary of State Colin Powell says President Bush will make a final decision soon.
Mr. Powell said West African nations should lead the force, with the United States providing a supporting role. He told reporters in South Africa on Thursday that any U.S. military role in Liberia will be, in his words, "very limited in duration and scope."
The 15-nation Economic Community of West African States - ECOWAS - has offered to contribute 1,000 troops to a peacekeeping force. President Bush is expected to discuss the situation on Saturday in Nigeria, the last stop of his African tour. Liberia is also likely to dominate his talks Monday in Washington with U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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