/ 24 May 1999

TAYLOR CHANGES HIS MIND

LIBERIAN President Charles Taylor on Saturday reinstated cabinet ministers and heads of public corporations whom he sacked last week for failing to attend a national prayer service. In a radio address, Taylor said he took the decision based on appeals “for clemency for the dismissed officials from all quarters of our society, including the religious community, diplomatic circles, past heads of government and opinion leaders.” Taylor purged 13 ministers from his 21-member cabinet, as well as several heads of public corporations, for failing to attend the closing session of a three-day Fast and Prayer service “to seek God’s blessing for the nation”. But within 24 hours he had reinstated six of the sacked ministers and six managing directors of public corporations, saying that he has received valid excuses for their absence.