Through Taylor's representatives, the magazine had arranged for Johnson to enter Liberia through Ivory Coast and be escorted overland to his rural headquarters.

But the statement confirmed that the five-nation peacekeeping force, which entered Liberia nearly four months ago, would remain.

But Mr. Williams's wife, Gwendolyn, said they were arrested when they entered Liberia on a business trip.

The news agency, quoting military officials in Banjul, Gambia, said the peacekeeping force is expected to enter Liberia by Tuesday.

Its commander, Lieut. Gen. Arnold Quainoo of Ghana, has said he does not want to risk entering Liberia until all sides agreed to stop fighting.

Liberian crisis: President Charles Taylor resigns as Nigerian peacekeepers entered Liberia.

A civil war began in December 1989, when rebels intent on toppling Doe entered Liberia through Côte d'Ivoire.

Knives, Guns, Cutlasses' "There is no way we're going to allow them to enter Liberia," a senior rebel official said today.

Entry Requirements - Visas All British nationals require a visa to enter Liberia.

Entry Requirements - Passport Validity You must hold a valid passport to enter Liberia.