14.08.2003, 07:48
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Zitat:US fighter jets to patrol Liberian skies: president 2003-08-13 22:14
LAGOS, Aug. 13 (Xinhuanet) -- Liberian President Moses Blah has said US fighter jets would soon start patrolling the skies of war-torn Liberia, according to reports reaching here from Monrovia Wednesday.
"According to the (US) ambassador, within a few hours you will see American jet fighter planes patrolling the skies of Liberia to bring peace to Liberia," Blah, who was sworn in Monday after Charles Taylor stepped down, was quoted as saying at his home after meeting with US Ambassador to Liberia John Blaney.
Three US warships are anchoring off the Liberian capital of Monrovia with a 2,300-strong Marine task force to help West African peacekeepers with their mission in the country.
Meanwhile, a UN ship loaded with food and medicines has arrived off Monrovia.
UN Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Carolyn McAskie was quoted as saying the ship could start unloading desperately-needed food and medicines for the starving city within days if rebels withdraw from the port as promised.
This is the first humanitarian supply ship to anchor off Monrovia after international aid workers pulled out of the city amid heavy fighting in June.
The rebel-held port is a major gateway to bring aid into Monrovia, where fighting has displaced some 450,000 people who are facing a shortage of food, fuel, water and medicines.
After holding talks with rebels from the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy at their headquarters, the US ambassador announced on Tuesday that West African peacekeepers would deploy in the port by Thursday noon.
The first contingent of Nigerian soldiers deployed in Monrovia last week , ahead of a larger west African peacekeeping force, which is expected to number about 5,000. Enditem