Military

DATE=1/22/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=LIBERIA/POLITICS (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-312147

BYLINE=NICO COLOMBANT

DATELINE=ABIDJAN

CONTENT=

///// MODIFIES CR 2-312145 TO VOICE OVER POOR QUALITY ACTS. /////

INTRO: Liberia's interim leader, Gyude Bryant, has marked his first 100 days in office, saying that whatever force is necessary will be used to make sure that peace is irreversible. V-O-A's Nico Colombant reports from our West Africa bureau in Abidjan.

TEXT: Speaking from the executive mansion in the capital, Monrovia, Mr. Bryant said he would deal firmly with any threat to the Liberian peace process.

/// BRYANT ACT, EST AND FADE ///

He says he will not tolerate jungle justice and he will not encourage what he calls hooliganism and vandalism.

Mr. Bryant says he is engaging with leaders of one the rebel movements, the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, (LURD) to make sure a rift in their movement does not prevent disarmament of former fighters.

LURD's chairman, Sekou Conneh, and his estranged wife, Aicha Keita Conneh, have both been claiming leadership of the movement since returning to Liberia this month from exile.

Mr. Bryant also said he is working to restore basic services in Monrovia after 15 years of nearly continuous civil war.

/// BRYANT 2nd ACT, EST AND FADE ///

He says his government is trying to get water flowing again and to restore a functioning health-care system.

To ensure security, disarm tens-of-thousands of former fighters and restore basic services, Mr. Bryant says he is getting the help of thousands of U-N peacekeepers and aid workers.

Mr. Bryant was installed as interim leader in October. Formerly a businessman and opposition activist, he was chosen for the post by former warring factions as part of a peace deal signed in August following the departure of former president Charles Taylor to Nigeria.

Overall, Mr. Bryant says, his main goal remains to ensure peaceful and democratic elections in 2005. He says after that he will return to what he likes to do best, which he said is business. (SIGNED)

NEB/NC/ALW/RAE