News In Brief

Liberia's military chieftan takes step toward civilian rule

In a step toward restoring civilian rule, the military head of state, Samuel K. Doe, announced he had dissolved his ruling People's Redemption Council and that an interim national assembly would replace it.

The new civilian government is due to take over on Jan. 1. Political parties will be allowed to form and seek registration.

Liberia, the oldest republic in Africa, was founded in 1847 by freed American slaves. The People's Redemption Council was dominated by indigenous tribes which resented government rule by the slaves' descendants.