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Liberia arms cache 'scrap metal' Liberia 'arms cache' scrap metal
(about 4 hours later)
An arms cache announced in Liberia last week has turned out to be nothing more than 18 bags of scrap metal, the government has admitted.An arms cache announced in Liberia last week has turned out to be nothing more than 18 bags of scrap metal, the government has admitted.
The reported discovery had raised tension in the central town of Gbanga, leading to the deployment of United Nations peacekeepers to the town.The reported discovery had raised tension in the central town of Gbanga, leading to the deployment of United Nations peacekeepers to the town.
It followed the arrest of a former army chief and speaker of parliament last month on treason charges.It followed the arrest of a former army chief and speaker of parliament last month on treason charges.
A BBC correspondent said the news will come as a relief to the population.A BBC correspondent said the news will come as a relief to the population.
Presidential spokesman Cyrus Badio said the bags had contained some shell casings but it later turned out to be mostly scrap metal. Presidential spokesman Cyrus Badio said the bags had contained some rusty shell casings but it later turned out to be mostly scrap metal.
"I guess, based on all the excitement in the air about subversive activities... security thought something was afoot," he said."I guess, based on all the excitement in the air about subversive activities... security thought something was afoot," he said.
However, scrap-metal dealer Papa Mohammed Sheriff, arrested in connection with the find, remains in custody.However, scrap-metal dealer Papa Mohammed Sheriff, arrested in connection with the find, remains in custody.
"He is undergoing further investigation. Once it is determined there is nothing more than scrap, he will be released," Mr Badio said."He is undergoing further investigation. Once it is determined there is nothing more than scrap, he will be released," Mr Badio said.
The news of the alleged coup plot and later the arms cache had shocked Liberians, who hoped that the 2005 election of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf had heralded the end of a 14-year civil war.The news of the alleged coup plot and later the arms cache had shocked Liberians, who hoped that the 2005 election of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf had heralded the end of a 14-year civil war.
The UN has some 15,000 peacekeepers in Liberia - the second largest deployment in the world.The UN has some 15,000 peacekeepers in Liberia - the second largest deployment in the world.