Rebels want head of interim government to quit
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MONROVIA, Liberia (Reuters) -- Liberia's two rebel groups said Monday they wanted the head of a transitional government appointed in October to quit, before they would start to disarm their fighters in line with a peace deal.
In a joint statement, the two rebel factions known as LURD and Model accused the chairman of the interim government, Gyude Bryant, of lack of transparency and confusion in the way his administration in the West African country is run.
"The LURD and Model...are vehemently and unconditionally calling for the immediate, uncompromising and peaceful removal and subsequent replacement of Gyude Bryant as Chairman of the NTLG (National Transitional Government of Liberia) before the commencement of disarmament," the statement said.
The rebels, who joined a government formed after an August peace accord meant to draw a line under 14 years of civil war, have complained about some key government appointments.
Last year, they walked out of a disarmament meeting, but later took part in talks on demobilizing fighters.
Bryant, a low-profile businessman, was picked up by the warring factions to head a transitional government after the departure of now-exiled former President Charles Taylor.
His administration, backed by what at full strength will the biggest United Nations peacekeeping operation in the world, is meant to shepherd the country to elections due in 2005.
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Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
