Liberia's neighbours sound alarm

Rebel attacks have cost thousands of lives

West African leaders have urged the Liberian government and rebel guerrillas to reach an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire".

We have a plan for peace which begins with mediation, but (we) fear it may be too late

President Wade of Senegal

Expressing alarm at the escalating fighting, they agreed to back peace talks among the political forces in Liberia, to be led by the presidents of Nigeria and Senegal.

The announcement was made after a meeting of the 15-member West African economic bloc, Ecowas, in Ivory Coast.

The war in northern Liberia has reached a critical stage, with the rebels - known as Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (Lurd) - attacking strategic towns and closing in on the capital Monrovia.

The international relief agency, Medecins Sans Frontieres, says 44,000 people have been displaced in recent fighting.

Domino theory

President Charles Taylor, who himself fought his way to the capital as a rebel commander in the mid-90s, is under serious pressure to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

Charles Taylor declared a state of emergency in February

The growing concern among West African leaders is that the Liberian crisis threatens the stability of the region and in particular of its neighbour, Sierra Leone, which after so many years of civil war has just held remarkably peaceful elections.

The BBC's Dan Isaacs in Nigeria says the worsening situation in Liberia could very easily draw Sierra Leone back into a conflict from which its people have struggled so hard to break free.

"Just as Sierra Leone appears to have found peace, Liberia is torn apart by a war which risks spreading," said Amara Essy, secretary-general of the Organisation of African Unity.

Low expectations

This latest initiative is to be led by President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal and Nigeria's president, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Thousands have been displaced by the fighting

Our correspondent says the possibility of a regional peacekeeping force is being seriously considered.

But even before the talks have begun, hopes of success are not high.

"We have a plan for peace which begins with mediation," President Wade told the Associated Press. "But (we) fear it may be too late."