Rebels accuse government of creating obstacles to peace

Meanwhile, Sierra Leonean rebels meeting in Lome for internal talks accused the government side on Tuesday of creating obstacles to peace by stepping up its military offensive and rejecting a ceasefire proposal, according to news reports. Revolutionary United Front spokesman, Omrie Golley, in an interview with AFP, accused ECOMOG troops - which back the government - of "stepping up their offensive when there should be a silencing of guns". Last Thursday, ECOMOG forces recaptured the strategic town of Masiaka, some 60 km northeast of Freetown, from the rebels. A ceasefire proposal was submitted to the government by the UN special envoy, Francis Okelo, at the weekend, an UN information officer based in Freetown confirmed to IRIN. However Kabbah's government said it would not support a ceasefire unless traditional chiefs, ECOMOG and the cabinet gave their backing, AFP reported. Information minister Julius Spencer told the BBC on Tuesday that his government would want UN monitors in place before concluding a ceasefire with the RUF.