Rebels defiant in Liberia
In Liberia’s capital Monrovia on Sunday military troops battled to end the nine-day rebel insurgency against the government of President Charles Taylor.
It is reported that Liberian rebels have rejected a cease-fire backed by the United States.
Rebels are fighting to gain control of Stockton Creek Bridge, which would allow them access to the central part of the capital.
Chairman of the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (Lurd) rebels Sekou Conneh said his men would remain in the capital until foreign peacekeepers arrived.
“Why should I pull back? We’ll hand over positions to the peacekeepers, not to Taylor,” he said.
Nigerian troops are expected to arrive in Liberia this week, forming the bulk of the west African peacekeeping force which could grow to 3,600 troops.
But it is not yet certain whether US troops will be deployed.
On Sunday, US Deputy Defence Secretary Paul Wolfowitz said US forces would stay out of Liberia until the cease-fire was secured.
“We’re prepared to assist the UN in establishing a cease-fire, in evacuating Taylor and getting regional troops in. We’ll help them get there. But we cannot take on all tasks.”
But the US announced on Friday plans to send three warships to Liberia, which can carry at least 2,500 marines, to offer assistance to the west African peacekeeping force.
More than 1,000 civilians have been killed in the past week.
