"It makes a lot of sense for peacekeepers to arrive in this city before I transit," Taylor said, adding he "cannot understand why the US government will insist that I be absent before its soldiers arrive in Liberia."

The White House announced yesterday that the US is to send an "assessment team" to Liberia, a country founded by freed American slaves in the 19th century, to look into what is necessary to achieve peace, but has not yet decided on whether to send troops.

Meanwhile, a demonstration in central Monrovia by several hundred youths hostile to Taylor was dispersed by police.

The crowd, waving American flags and throwing stones, was dispersed when police fired above demonstrators' heads and used whips.

Prior to being dispersed, the crowd chanted "Red baboon, it is time to go. We're tired of the mess" and other anti-Taylor slogans.

Taylor said such demonstrations must be done "within the confines of the law", adding that he "didn't want to see people using little children to accomplish their aim."

The World Health Organisation (WHO) yesterday made an urgent appeal for funds and supplies to stave off a serious health crisis, as cholera took hold in Liberia's strife-torn capital.