U.S. bars Liberian officials from entering country

Liberian President Charles Taylor

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Liberian President Charles Taylor, senior members of his government and close supporters and family members have been barred from entering the United States, the White House announced on Wednesday.

U.S. President Bill Clinton said he issued the ban order because Taylor and Liberia are suspected of helping rebels in Sierra Leone.

Clinton said he took action after receiving no "positive response" to repeated U.S. requests that Liberia stop trafficking in weapons and illicit diamonds, which, Clinton said, "fuels the war in Sierra Leone."

"Only when the government of Liberia ends its participation in activities which support the (Revolutionary United Front) will the United States review this policy," the president said.

The Revolutionary United Front (RUF), led by Foday Sankoh, is Sierra Leone's main rebel group. Sankoh's forces have been battling the Sierra Leone government since 1991.

Liberia's Taylor has repeatedly denied assertions that he is aiding the rebels, but those denials have not convinced U.S. officials.

The restrictions announced Wednesday bar from the United States anyone who plans, engages in or benefits from activities in support of RUF rebels or which obstruct peace. Spouses, children and parents of those who are denied entry visas may also be barred.

The U.S. Department of State also announced on Thursday that it was ordering all nonessential embassy staff to return to the United States from Monrovia, Liberia's capital, out of fear the restrictions may cause anti-U.S. violence.

The department also issued travel warnings to Americans in the area.

Liberia faces its own rebel activity as well. Rebels captured the town of Zorzor, in the north of the country, last weekend. Liberia believes the rebels are aided by Guinean soldiers.

Reuters contributed to this report.

See related sites about Africa

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.