Liberia Peace Talks in Ghana Adjourned

Peace talks in Ghana between the Liberian government and rebels have been adjourned as a new rebel offensive threatens negotiations. Rebel forces from Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD), were closing on the capital, Monrovia, Friday forcing camp refugees and residents in their path to flee into the city center. Aid workers and residents said Monrovia was in a state of chaos.

The northern-based rebel group, that wants to oust Liberian President Charles Taylor, has been fighting the government since 1999. Earlier this year a new rebel group emerged in the south eastern Liberia.

Mediator for the peace talks, former Nigerian military ruler Abulsalami Abubakar, and rebel representatives at the talks, appealed to the fighters to halt their advance on Monrovia.

Mr. Abubakar told envoys that the question of a ceasefire must be addressed to avoid turning Liberia into what he called, "an endless killing field." The talks are expected to resume next week.

In Washington, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher called for an end to the fighting. He also proposed that Liberian President Charles Taylor step down and a new transitional government be established prior to elections.

Thursday, Liberian President Taylor said his forces foiled a coup attempt while he was in Ghana the previous day to attend the opening of the peace talks. He said several high-ranking officials tried to topple the government.

Mr. Boucher said the United States has no information that confirms an attempted coup in Liberia.

On Wednesday, a special United Nations court indicted Mr. Taylor on charges of war crimes.

Mr. Taylor, himself a former rebel leader, is accused of supporting Sierra Leone's rebels - notorious for brutal crimes including the killing of tens of thousands of people, as well as raping, kidnapping and cutting off the limbs of civilians.