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Liberian warlords begin

peace talks in Nigeria

ABUJA: Liberian warlords have begun yet another round of peace talks, with an impatient international community telling them to really try this time to resolve the lingering conflict.

"I hope this meeting will bring a lasting solution to the Liberian problem," Nigeria's Foreign Minister Tom Ikimi said at the opening of the talks in Nigeria's capital Abuja on Wednesday night.

"I believe everyone of you has come with clean mind. For those who seek equity must have clean hands," Ikimi said.

Nigeria has the biggest contingent in ECOMOG, the West African peacekeeping force that has been in Liberia since 1990.

Captain Kojo Tsikata, a member of Ghana's Council of State, said the five-year-old Liberian conflict that has killed thousands of people and wrecked an economy can be resolved peacefully.

"Problems that beset peace in Liberia are surmountable and the rest of the world is waiting to see Liberians themselves resolve to have peace so they can help rebuild their shattered country," he said.

"But first they must discard the suspicion and mistrust among them that are restricting the attainment of peace," he added.

In response, the warlords said they were ready for peace.

"We have come for peace. We will do everything in our power to restore peace," said Lasanah Kromah of ULIMO-K faction.-Reuter