    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
    [July 8, 2003]
    [Page 844]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Exchange With Reporters in Dakar, Senegal
    July 8, 2003

    Liberia

        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.

    Note: The exchange began at 9:48 a.m. at the Presidential Palace. In his
    remarks, the President referred to President John Agyekum Kufuor of
    Ghana; and President Charles Taylor of Liberia. A tape was not available
    for verification of the content of this exchange.