Taylor enplanes for Asylum

Accra, Aug. 11, GNA - Former Liberian President Charles Ghankay Taylor on Monday left Monrovia, aboard a Nigerian plane, shortly after stepping down as the President of that beleaguered country after nearly six years rule.

Reports reaching the Ghana News Agency in Accra said the former Liberian President, who handed over to Vice President Moses Blah, was heading for Nigeria, which had offered him asylum.

African Leaders, including President John Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana, Chairman of ECOWAS, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and President Joachim Chissano, of Mozambique, Chairman of African Union, witnessed Mr Talyor's departure formalities.

Speaking to the GNA in Accra Mr Kabineh Ja'neh, Leader of the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD), the main rebel group that has been fighting President Taylor's government forces, welcomed his departure.

"It is a step forward in our search for genuine peace," he said. Mr Ja'neh said he and other leading members of LURD, including its Chairman, Sekou Damate Conneh, watched the proceedings live on television, and would be issuing a statement in due course.