DATE=8/11/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S / LIBERIA (S-UPDATE)

NUMBER=2-306377

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell has welcomed the resignation and exile of former Liberian President Charles Taylor and he says the priority now is dealing with the desperate humanitarian needs in the country. V-O-A's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: Mr. Powell says the commander of the three-ship U-S Navy task force posted off the Liberian coast will go ashore as early as Tuesday to join ECOWAS peacekeepers in talks on opening up the port of Monrovia to international relief shipments.

In comments to reporters here, Mr. Powell said reopening the port, which has been in the hands of Liberian rebels, would likely not require U-S troops from the flotilla, but said they will available if needed:

///Powell actuality///

I would not expect any large commitment of U-S forces. It might be as small a requirement as just liaison. But there are unique capabilities with the Marine expeditionary unit that might be useful in assisting to secure and put the port back into operation.

///end act///

Mr. Powell welcomed the "peaceful and constitutional" transfer of power from Charles Taylor to the new Liberian President Moses Blah and said he hopes all parties to the country's civil war recognize that "it is time for the conflict to end." (Signed)

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