Monrovia, Liberia - The United Nations officially launched a nationwide programme to help educate thousands of former combatants in this war-battered West African nation.
The UN will pay for basic education costs for young fighters participating in a disarmament programme that ends on October 31. It is unclear how much the project will cost.
"Use your education as a vehicle to take you from one point to another," transitional vice president Wesley Johnson told hundreds of fighters who attended a launch ceremony at a seaside stadium in Monrovia. "Liberia needs you."
The United Nations began a nationwide voluntary disarmament programme last year. So far, 71 000 fighters have laid down their weapons, nearly double the 40 000 combatants UN officials initially estimated.
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At least 15 percent of those who have disarmed are child soldiers, the UN has said, while the majority are between the ages of 14 and 30.
Under the reintegration programme, former fighters can enrol in ordinary schools and universities.
Liberia is struggling to recover from an era of fighting that began in 1989 and claimed at least 150 000 lives.
With rebels shelling the capital last year, President Charles Taylor agreed to go into exile in Nigeria, clearing the way for a transitional government that gave top rebel officials ministerial posts.
Addressing the crowd on Wednesday, Education Minister Evelyne Kandakai urged school administrators to welcome ex-fighters "with love" and said Liberia should make violence a thing of the past.
"Today marks an important milestone in the lives of thousands of former fighters," said Steve Ursino, a UN official.
A 15 000-strong UN peace force is stationed in Liberia to provide security. The new government is to hold elections in October 2005. - Sapa-AP
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