For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 8, 2003

President Bush Discusses Liberia
Presidential Palace
Dakar, Senegal

9:48 A.M. (Local)

Q Can we ask you about Liberia, sir?

THE PRESIDENT: We had a good discussion about Liberia.

Q Have you made a decision?

THE PRESIDENT: The President of Ghana is the leader of ECOWAS. I told him we'd participate with ECOWAS. We're now in the process to determine the extent of our participation. And I really appreciate the President's leadership on this issue. Charles Taylor must leave. The United Nations is going to be involved. The United States will work with ECOWAS. -- the leaders of ECOWAS were at the table, all of whom are concerned about Liberia, as are we, and are concerned about a peaceful Western Africa.

Q Does that mean you'll send troops?

THE PRESIDENT: We're in the process of determining what is necessary to maintain the cease-fire and to allow for a peaceful transfer of power. We're working very closely with ECOWAS. The President of ECOWAS is with us today, the President of Ghana. He and I had a good discussion. I assured him we'll participate in the process. And we're now in the process of determining what that means.

Q Do you have to wait until Mr. Taylor is gone?

THE PRESIDENT: We're in the process of determining what that means.

Q Thank you.

END 9:52 A. M. (Local)