EU stops aid to Liberia

European Union foreign ministers have agreed to a British request to suspend aid to Liberia because of its support for rebels in neighbouring Sierra Leone.

Development aid worth thirty-five milllion pounds will be held back as a signal to the Liberian government that it must cut its trading links with the rebels.

Britain has alleged that the Liberian government of President Charles Taylor sells guns to the rebels in return for diamonds.

The foreign ministers warned that all EU policy towards Liberia would in future take account of Liberian behaviour towards Serria Leone.

Speaking earlier, President Taylor denied that his country was supplying the rebels.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service