Good evening. We begin tonight with the possibility US troops may soon be moving into still another country. In the African nation of Liberia, President Charles Taylor finally resigned today and went into exile, making a parting speech that was, above all, peculiar. As he left, US warships carrying more than 4,000 Marines and naval personnel sailed closer to shore. The question: Are those troops going ashore? Liberians want US help. The country was founded by freed US slaves. But there is intense debate in Washington about whether the US should get more directly involved. Here's ABC's Jim Sheutel.
Charles Taylor resigned this morning in a lavish ceremony. It was part history, part bazaar drama. Accompanied by a gospel choir, the former warlord likened himself to Jesus in his last words as head of state and blamed President Bush for forcing him out. "I believe he has made decisions based on the lies that have reached him. But the Republic of Liberia will survive."
Taylor ceded power to his vice president, a long time ally, and within hours boarded a plane for Nigeria where he's been promised political asylum. He leaves behind a country in chaos. At least 2,000 have died in violence over the past few months. Rebel troops control most of the country and half the capital, including Monrovia's port, blocking food and supplies for most Liberians. Many are starving. African leaders attending Taylor's resignation today appealed for peace.
Liberians welcomed 800 West African peacekeepers last week, but many believe true stability will come only with US help. US officials have called Taylor's departure a precondition for any intervention. Taylors has been indicted for war crimes, including murder and torcher.
As Taylor left the country today, those US warships moved within sight of shore, sparking hope among some Liberians that American troops might be on their way.