Hundreds die in Liberia fighting

MONROVIA (AP) - An estimated 15,000 refugees arrived here yesterday with stories of the worst fighting in two years between rebels led by Charles Taylor and Sierra Leone-based fighters loyal to the murdered former President Samuel Doe. They said hundreds had died.

Civilians have suffered most since Mr Taylor launched an invasion from Ivory Coast to oust Doe in December 1989. He is under an ultimatum from West African leaders to disarm or face sanctions.

The West African-backed interim President, Amos Sawyer, said the refugees would be sheltered at schools.