Saturday, November 7, 1992

Liberian Rebel Is No Friend of Democracy, Nigerian Says

The military leader of Nigeria opened a regional meeting on the fighting in Liberia today by denouncing the Liberian rebel leader Charles Taylor.

"Taylor must now be seen by the whole world for what he really represents, said the Nigerian head of state, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. "He does not represent democracy. He does not believe in the freedom of choice that is the God-given right of the Liberian people."

Leaders of 8 of the 16 countries in the Economic Community of West African States gathered here to discuss imposing an economic blockade on Mr. Taylor and proposals for a cease-fire to end his drive on the Liberian capital.

Source: New York Times