Liberia: When will the conflict end?

Has the UN been "interfering" in Liberia's affairs?

In a Hardtalk interview on 23 June Tim Sebastian talks to Liberian Cabinet Minister Samuel P Jackson about the prospects for peace in his country and the recent indictment on war crimes charges of his president, Charles Taylor.

Mr Jackson is one of Liberia's key peace negotiators and has been working with rebel leaders to come up with a workable deal at talks in Accra, Ghana.

Peace deal

On June 17th, a deal was signed but what is the likelihood of it holding?

It is clear to any independent observer that the reason for the indictment of Charles Taylor is to affect a regime change Samuel P. Jackson

One of the key issues has been what part, if any, Charles Taylor will play in a post-conflict Liberia.

A key factor which could influence his future is his recent indictment by the Special Court in Sierra Leone. Will he go before the Court?

"Since the Sierra Leone government and UN- backed court interfered in the political affairs of Liberia, there has to be a dispensation where those charges are dropped as part of a continuing peace process. The charges are clearly political in nature.... Those are allegations which have not been substantiated," says Mr Jackson.

Serious charges

Some of the charges listed in the indictment include being responsible for "criminal acts of his subordinates" such as "unlawful killings, abductions, forced labour, physical and sexual violence."

Mr Jackson responds by arguing that the Special Court, which he refers to as a "kangaroo court", was formed primarily to get Charles Taylor as a political vendetta...the Special Court has gone along with that because of the muscle of major powers who want to have regime change in Liberia."

President Taylor himself describes the indictment as "very racist". He also says, "Some little American prosecutor wants to disgrace an African President."

Mr Sebastian reminds Mr Jackson that African judges sit on the Special Court and that no African leaders are lining up to condemn it.

Meanwhile, rebels are already accusing forces loyal to President Charles Taylor of breaking the ceasefire and attacking their positions in the east of the country.

HARDtalk can be seen on BBC World at 03:30 GMT, 08:30 GMT, 15:30 GMT, 18:30 GMT and 23:30 GMT.

It can also be seen on BBC News 24 at 03:30 GMT and 22:30 GMT