Military

DATE=10/2/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS / LIBERIA (L-O)

NUMBER=2-308175

BYLINE=DAN ROBINSON

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S lawmakers are concerned about continuing instability in Liberia, amid the latest reports of fighting in the capital, Monrovia. VOA's Dan Robinson reports, a House (of Representatives) committee heard (Thursday) from the top U-S official for Africa, Walter Kansteiner, who said the Bush administration has not wavered in its commitment to help bring about an end to Liberia's civil war:

TEXT: The chairman of the Africa subcommittee, Congressman Ed Royce, opened the hearing by noting that Liberia has been virtually destroyed by factional fighting.

Mr. Royce spent most of the rest of his statement drawing attention to what he called the continuing threat posed by former president Charles Taylor.

Mr. Taylor accepted an offer of asylum in Nigeria. But United Nations officials have warned he is attempting to keep involved in Liberia.

Calling Mr. Taylor a cancer threatening regional stability, Congressman Royce spelled out what he thinks needs to be done:

/// ROYCE ACT ///

Today I am asking the Nigerian government to turn Charles Taylor over to the special court (in Sierra Leone). We should also be looking at returning the tens of millions of dollars that he has stolen from the Liberian people.

/// END ACT ///

Assistant Secretary Walter Kansteiner says the United States has urged Nigeria to watch Mr. Taylor carefully, and to consider transferring him to the court in Sierra Leone.

He says restoring security in Liberia, and disarming and demobilizing rebel groups, will be a key to success:

/// KANSTEINER ACT ///

I assure you the United States will remain involved. We are going to support the peacekeepers and we are going to help restructure and train a new, professional Liberian army.

/// END ACT ///

Some members of Congress are still skeptical about the Bush administration commitment.

Some, principally African-American, lawmakers say Liberia will need much more than the 200-million dollars the administration estimates will be required in 2004.

Congresswoman Babara Lee is one of several legislators who want money for Liberia added to President Bush's request for 87-billion dollars to fund U-S operations in Iraq and Afghanistan:

/// LEE ACT ///

Eighty-seven billion (for Iraq and Afghanistan) showed up from nowhere. Why can't we advocate, I think we need at least 500-million (for Liberia) for 2004. Why can't we just shave off 500-million off that 87-billion?

/// END ACT ///

/// OPT /// Also testifying Thursday was Nohn Kidau, who heads an exile group called the Movement for Democratic Change in Liberia:

/// KIDAU ACT ///

I ask that the United States (to) take the lead and play an role in the future of Liberia, and that the United States of America backs up its role and leadership with the necessary resources so peace and stability can come to Liberia and Liberia can be used as a showcase for democracy in all of Africa.

/// END ACT /// END OPT ///

The last U-S ground soldiers left Liberia this week. United Nations officials say at least 15 countries have so far expressed willingness to send troops to join West African peacekeepers as part of what the U-N hopes will be a 15-thousand-strong force. (SIGNED)

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