Foreign Minister Returns From Liberia

Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Minister for Foreign Affairs yesterday said the warring factions in Liberia had indicated their preparedness to cease-fire and allow negotiations to continue. He was speaking to newsmen on his return from Monrovia after holding discussions with President Charles Taylor and the leader of the LURD rebels in that country.

At separate meetings in a bid to secure a ceasefire, Nana Akufo-Addo said the rebels had also relaxed their 72-hour ultimatum to President Taylor to step down. He added that by the time he was leaving Liberia, President Taylor was still in the Executive Mansion.

The Foreign Minister expressed optimism that the warring parties would reach a settlement when they meet in Akosombo on Thursday to resume negotiations. Nana Akufo-Addo, who was accompanied by Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Executive Secretary of ECOWAS and Daniel Chea, Liberian Defence Minister, said the rebels had not yet entered Monrovia. He said from his observation, there was the possibility that peace would be achieved.