The United States has called on Liberian rebels not to advance further into Monrovia, saying all parties should cease fire as terrified residents in the capital were trapped in the crossfire between the rebels and forces loyal to President Charles Taylor, reports reaching said on Sunday.

US Ambassador to Liberia John Blaney said in a statement late Saturday, "On behalf of the United States, I call upon the Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) to respect human rights and minimize the suffering of the Liberian people."

The US ambassador also called on the Liberian rebels to "returnto the negotiations in Accra regardless of the military situation"and respect the rights "of all citizens and those of foreign countries."

President Taylor vowed in a radio address that his troops wouldfight to the last man. He accused US President George W. Bush of undermining Liberia by telling him to step down while fighting continued.

On Saturday, Liberian rebels broke through northern districts to reach the strategic bridge, which leads into the heart of the city.

Nigeria said on Saturday a military team was heading to Liberiato assess the terrain in readiness for deploying a larger intervention force.

President Bush has said a small American force might also help to restore stability once Taylor leaves.

(Xinhua News Agency July 20, 2003)