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Article: U.S. steps up role in war-torn Liberia: Links date to founding by ex-slaves.(World)(Briefing/Africa)
- Article from:
- The Washington Times (Washington, DC)
- Article date:
- May 9, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1996 News World Communications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Liberia, Africa's oldest independent republic, is dying of self-inflicted wounds.
The United States, linked to the small West African nation from birth nearly 150 years ago and strategically tethered to it throughout the Cold War, stood by for the past six years while warlords were tearing the country to shreds. More than 150,000 Liberians were killed.
But Washington has made modest financial contributions for regional peacekeeping forces and humanitarian assistance. It has also closely monitored the unfolding events.
"American officials have been involved as silent partners in all the negotiations" about peace, a source close to the events ...