Taylor reconsiders pledge to stand down

LIBERIAN President Charles Taylor said he is reconsidering his promise to cede power, as rebels seeking to oust him declared a new cease-fire yesterday.

Taylor’s spokesman said the leader is reconsidering his pledge, seeing it as only encouraging rebel attacks. Taylor and his government have been angered by the rebel capture of Buchanan, the nation’s second-largest city.

“We are of a different opinion now in the government about the validity of the overtures of the president to step down,” spokesman Vaanii Paasawe said. “So if you start hearing us say differently, you shouldn’t be surprised,” he said.