DATE=07/28/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-

TITLE=LIBERIA / FIGHTING (S)

BYLINE=SARAH SIMPSON

DATELINE=ABIDJAN

CONTENT:

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Liberian capital, Monrovia, continues to be pounded by mortars from both government and rebel positions. Meanwhile, west African leaders are in nearby Ghana to discuss plans for the deployment of a regional peacekeeping force, with Nigeria saying that the first troops could be on the ground by Tuesday. Sarah Simpson reports from the V-O-A West Africa bureau in Abidjan.

TEXT: As rebel and government forces continue to battle for control of Monrovia, west African leaders are meeting in Accra, Ghana to discuss plans for the deployment of a peacekeeping force.

Nigerian leaders have said that the first two battalions of 13-hundred men could be on the ground by Tuesday, but some details remain to be settled, such as who will pay for the peacekeeping force.

The United States has contributed 10 million dollars but that would only pay for a few days upkeep of a peacekeeping force of any size. U-S marines are heading into Liberian waters, but there has been no commitment from Washington to send them in for peacekeeping duties in Liberia.

Conditions in Monrovia are rapidly deteriorating for many thousands who moved into the city in a bid to escape the fighting, and aid workers are warning of an impending humanitarian disaster. (SIGNED)

NEB/SS/KL/FC