President George W Bush has ordered United States warships to take up positions off the coast of Liberia. The BBC reports the warships will be used to support the expected deployment of West African peacekeepers in Monrovia. President Bush’s announcement came as mortar bombs pound Monrovia in fighting between the Government and rebels that threatens a humanitarian disaster. Shortly after Mr Bush's announcement, the rebels declared an immediate cease-fire but vowed to defend their positions, after a day in which shells struck schools crammed with refugees, killing at least 14 people and wounding scores more. A Reuters correspondent in Monrovia says he could still hear fighting, including the sound of mortar bombs, after the cease-fire declaration. Previous truces have not held for long.
| Nothing personal. It's just tradition, kind of like cutting off limbs... |
The rebels and forces loyal to President Charles Taylor have been battling for a week for control of the coastal capital.
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