US reiterates Liberia backing rebels

The United States condemned Liberia yesterday for backing Sierra Leonean rebels trying to unseat the elected government in Freetown. “We have told the government of Liberia that we know they are supporting RUF activities, and we condemn support from any source to the insurgents,” State Department spokesman James Rubin said in Washington. He pointed to “a growing body of evidence” of Liberian government aid to the rebels. Liberia has consistently denied supporting the rebels and has called for an international investigation to monitor its border with Sierra Leone.

Liberia’s opposition parties in the Legislature have expressed concern about the allegations, independent Star Radio reported today. The parties have called on the government to clear itself of the allegations so that international aid to Liberian will not be affected. Liberia is trying to recover from the effects of seven years of civil war. House majority leader Momolu Massaley said Sierra Leone was looking for a scapegoat for its crisis.