LIBERIA’S main rebel group yesterday gave up their claim to the vice-presidency in a new government, a condition which had threatened ongoing peace talks, according to a spokesman for the insurgents.

REBEL leaders said they will not allow any ally of President Charles Taylor to take power after the embattled leader named his vice-president as his successor. Rebel representatives at peace talks in Ghana said they would observe an often-violated June 17 ceasefire pact for the capital of Monrovia, but insisted they would not accept Taylor's appointment of Moses Blah.

WEST AFRICAN leaders promised to send peacekeepers to Liberia despite new rebel attacks that shattered a short-lived ceasefire considered crucial to restoring peace in the troubled country.

REBELS took control of a key bridge at Liberia’s capital yesterday in fighting that shattered a day-old ceasefire, sending thousands of families fleeing in a city desperately short of food, water and shelter.