U.S. Marines Enter Liberia, Taylor Pledges to Leave Thursday

Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman told Reuters that seven Marines arrived at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia via helicopter after being flown in from ships off the Liberian coast. The troops are part of a task force of approximately 2,300 Marines stationed aboard three warships.

The seven Marines are part of a “liaison element” that may grow to include up to 20 troops, and will work with the Africans to help build up their peacekeeping forces. The Marines will also coordinate with civilian contractors to carry out logistical and humanitarian services.

President Bush, on a month-long stay at his Texas ranch, told reporters Wednesday the U.S. troops would help the flow of humanitarian relief into the country.

“This is all part of doing what is necessary to help (West African troops), going in to provide the conditions necessary for humanitarian relief to arrive, whether it be by sea or by air,” he said.

The move comes as more of the 3,200 West African peacekeeping troops headed for Liberia arrived at Monrovia’s international airport, about 30 miles outside the capital. The troops, currently some 450 strong, will enforce a ceasefire between Taylor’s forces and rebel groups. They will also facilitate the distribution of much-needed humanitarian supplies.

The soldiers had planned to move into Monrovia Wednesday, but are still awaiting equipment from Sierra Leone, and now plan to enter the besieged city on Thursday.

President Bush said he expects Liberian President Charles Taylor to leave the country before he will dispatch additional American forces. The U.S. president and West African leaders have demanded that Taylor step down and leave Liberia.

Mohammed Ibn Chambas, head of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), said Wednesday that he expects Taylor to accept a Nigerian offer of asylum.

“There will be a joint session of the (Liberian) Senate and the House of Representatives tomorrow,” Chambas told reporters. “The ceremony is for Mr. Taylor to inform them of his intention to resign.”

“I will expect Mr. Taylor to take the offer to come to Nigeria,” he added.

Appearing with Mr. Bush in Crawford, Texas, Secretary of State Colin Powell reiterated the demands of the U.S.

“We still expect President Taylor to leave. I’m pleased at what ECOWAS has been able to do. The Nigerians showed up in good order, more forces are arriving and they’re starting to establish a sense of security and I think put hope back in the hearts of the Liberian people and we want to support them and assist them,” Powell said.