Annan calls for deployment of international force to Liberia

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan called for urgent deployment of an international force for Liberia, warning of a “humanitarian tragedy” in a war-ruined capital where fighting this week killed hundreds of trapped civilians.

West Africa promised a peace force of at least 5,000 for Liberia, if warring sides halt fighting, and France suggested Saturday that it was open to contributing troops, stepping in where the United States, Liberia's colonial-era founder, so far has declined to tread.

After a four-day battle between government and rebel forces for the Liberian capital, Mr Annan urged the Security Council to authorise sending a multinational force to Liberia to enforce a cease-fire that fell apart soon after it was signed June 17.