Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 4, 1990 TAG: 9007040093
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-6 EDITION: HOLIDAY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MONROVIA, LIBERIA LENGTH: Short
The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Doe agreed to step down only on the condition that his safety and that of his minority Krahn tribe are guaranteed.
But they said few people believe that rebel leader Charles Taylor, a former Doe aide who fled when he was accused of embezzlement, would be able to restrain his people's desire for vengeance.
Four U.S. warships are off the Liberian coast, and the United States has said it would evacuate Doe if he asked. The presence of U.S. Marines, even if there ostensibly to guard Americans, could be seen as a controlling influence.
Doe's administration has asked the United States to intervene on several occasions, but Washington has declined.
U.S. officials in Washington said Tuesday they believe Doe's government could collapse within days. The officials, who asked not to be identified, said there had been a number of desertions from the elite unit that protects Doe.
A rebel leader in the United States, Tom Woewiyu, said the insurgents would not oppose a U.S. evacuation of Doe, who has ruled Liberia for a decade.
A rebel source in neighboring Ivory Coast, meanwhile, said 800 insurgents were involved in attacks on Monrovia on Monday and several thousand more were advancing, bringing heavy artillery with them.
by CNB