FORMER LIBERIAN PRESIDENT CHARLES TAYLOR

UNCLAS MASERU 000156 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE FOR AF/S E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC KAWC LI LT SUBJECT: FORMER LIBERIAN PRESIDENT CHARLES TAYLOR REF: STATE 47877 ¶1. (SBU) Ambassador delivered reftel points on former Liberian President Charles Taylor March 28 to Acting Foreign Minister Mrs. Mpeo Mahase (Employment/Labor Minister). We emphasized the United States' and international community's desire for Charles Taylor to face the Special Court on Sierra Leone and to be returned by Nigeria to Liberia as requested by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to face charges of crimes against humanity. We urged the Minister to release a public statement by the GOL making clear the country would not provide a haven for Taylor who presents a serious flight risk. ¶3. (SBU) Minister Mahase responded positively stating that she would turn her attention to this matter following today's parliamentary forum session. Mrs. Mahase said Africa must be forthcoming in standing up for human rights for the sake of the continent and not just talk about doing so. The Minister will consider a statement for broadcast media as well as print. Post will report further. PERRY