We won't accept Taylor's successor, say rebels

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.

Taylor announced his choice on Thursday as Congress formally endorsed his letter of resignation. He said he would go into exile "very shortly".

Kabineh Ja'neh, a leader of the rebel group besieging Monrovia, said his men "will not recognise Mr Blah or any other chosen representative of Mr Taylor's criminal empire."

Mr Ja'neh said talks on a peace accord leading to a transitional government were continuing in Ghana's capital, Accra.