Date:12/08/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/08/12/stories/2003081206490100.htm

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Steps down

MONROVIA (Liberia) Aug. 11. The Liberian President, Charles Taylor, the former warlord blamed for nearly 14 years of bloodshed in the country and indicted for war crimes in Sierra Leone, stepped down today as demanded by the U.S and West African leaders. Rebels besieging the capital threatened to resume fighting if Mr. Taylor did not leave the country after handing over the reins to the Vice-President, Moses Blah. Mr. Taylor looked on from behind as Mr. Blah was sworn into office in front of African leaders who said his departure marked the end of an era of bloodshed.