Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, July 9, 1990 TAG: 9007090221
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A/2 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: MONROVIA, LIBERIA LENGTH: Medium
Sources in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, who were in contact with the front, on Sunday reported battles in Paynesville, eight miles from the center of Monrovia. The suburb has been the scene of several days of battles.
But the sources said the fighting had slackened somewhat.
Monrovians who ventured out Sunday found roads littered with bodies. One resident said he saw the bodies of 16 civilians, including two small children, near the capital's port.
Soldiers have been accused of widespread looting and indiscriminate killing.
On Friday, Doe had broadcast a message from his heavily fortified executive mansion saying a cease-fire had been arranged in the six-month civil war in this West African nation of 2 million people.
But rebel spokesman Thomas Woewiyu said in Abidjan that the rebels would not accept a cease-fire until Doe has left Liberia. He said the rebels were prepared to discuss a transition government, but it must be led by rebel chief Charles Taylor.
Taylor is a strong supporter of capitalism, and he has wide support in Liberia. But the United States and other governments have questioned his commitment to democracy and free elections.
Despite reports from Monrovia that Doe has agreed to leave if his security and that of his Krahn tribal supporters is guaranteed, the president has shown no sign he plans to depart soon.
Doe has been deserted by most of his Cabinet ministers, the two chief army commanders and dozens of other top officials. Government troops appear demoralized and disorganized, and many have abandoned their posts.
But the rebels have had problems of their own. Residents contacted by radio behind rebel lines in northern Liberia reported infighting among rival commanders. A rebel faction led by Prince Johnson reportedly ousted guerrillas of the mainstream National Patriotic Front from an area in Bong County.
The rebels invaded from Ivory Coast on Dec. 24 to overthrow Doe's government, which they accuse of corruption and brutal suppression of opposition.
Monrovia's 500,000 people have been without water and electricity for more than a week.
by CNB