DATE=07/28/2003

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-305906

TITLE=LIBERIA/FIGHTING (L-UPDATE)

BYLINE=SARAH SIMPSON

DATELINE=ABIDJAN

CONTENT:

///EDS: UPDATES CR 2-305897 WITH NEW FRONT ON BUCHANAN; REWRITE THROUGHOUT///

VOICED AT:

INTRO: While the Liberian capital Monrovia continues to be pounded Monday by mortars from both government and rebel positions, a different rebel group has launched a separate attack on Liberia's second-largest city of Buchanan. West African leaders who are meeting in nearby Ghana to discuss plans for the deployment of a regional peacekeeping force say it is unlikely that troops will arrive in Liberia this week. Sarah Simpson reports from the V-O-A West Africa bureau in Abidjan.

TEXT: While rebel and government forces battled over Monrovia Monday, Liberia's second city, Buchanan, has also come under attack. The government has sent in more troops to reinforce its positions in Buchanan, as the fighting continues to escalate.

For the past 10 days, the capital has been under siege by rebels from a group known as Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy, or LURD. The rebels signed a cease-fire agreement in June, after President Taylor agreed to step down. But Mr. Taylor has not given a date for his exit from power, and the rebels renewed their offensive.

The second assault is being staged by a smaller rebel group called the Movement for Democracy in Liberia, or MDL, which had until Monday adhered to the June cease-fire agreement. The MDL is reported to be backed by the government of Ivory Coast and though it is smaller than the LURD rebel force, its fighters are considered as being more disciplined and better armed.

Buchanan is the only port of any size that remains in government hands. LURD rebels already control the main port in Monrovia.

Meanwhile, reports from a meeting of West African leaders say delegates at the talks could not give assurances that troops would be stationed on the ground before the end of the week.

Regional peacekeepers were promised to Liberia earlier this month, but indecision over who is to pay for the force has led to delays.

The United States has pledged support and the Bush administration Friday ordered troops into Liberian waters. But there has been no commitment from Washington to send them in for peacekeeping duties in Liberia. (Signed)

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