Sunday, July 06, 2003

Obasanjo Offers and Taylor Accepts Exit to Nigeria, But Timing Remains Unclear by Reed Kramer 06 Jul 03 MONROVIA, LIBERIA. Following a 90-minute meeting at Monrovia's International Airport Sunday afternoon, Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Liberia's President Charles Taylor announced that an 'exit' for Taylor from Liberia has been agreed. Appearing at a press conference telecast live by CNN, Obasanjo said 'Liberia needs a lifeline' to resolve its conflict and said the transition to a new government 'must be orderly and peaceful.' Taylor said he would accept the invitation from Obasanjo to go to Nigeria but refused to say when his departure might take place. Referring to what he said was a 'window of opportunity,' Taylor said his key concern was that the changeover contribute to peace and not make the situation worse. President George Bush, who leaves on a five-nation trip to Africa Monday evening, has called on Taylor to step down, and Taylor has previously agreed but has said he wants to wait for a peacekeeping force to arrive. Bush is considering options for a U.S. role in the peacekeeping effort and has dispatched a military team to Monrovia to access the situation and increase security at the American embassy there. [allAfrica.com] 10:27:40 PM  Google It!