Marines arrive in Liberia And peacekeepers are expected in Monrovia: MONROVIA, Liberia - The first contingent of U.S. Marines to support a West African peacekeeping force in Liberia landed Wednesday, a day before the peacekeepers were expected to leave Monrovia's airport and enter the capital for the first time to prot

"The Marines are to assist us if we call on them to assist us," said Col. Theophilus Tawiah, the chief of staff of the West African force. The Marines' arrival and the anticipated entry of peacekeepers into the city itself remove one of the last requirements Liberian President Charles Taylor set for his resignation and departure. He has promised to step down Monday and leave the nation, which freed American slaves founded in the 19th century. As Liberians watched expectantly, three helicopters flew the seven Marines to the grounds of the U.S. Embassy from warships carrying their fellow Marines from Camp Lejeune, N.C., within 100 miles off Liberia's coast. The Marines then went to the airport, about 30 miles from Monrovia, to meet with West African military officials. The Liberian capital has split into two parts. In the government-controlled area, food prices have shot to astronomical levels and gasoline costs $30 a gallon. In the rebel-held section, food and gas are affordable because the rebels control access to the port, where shipments of thousands of tons of aid arrive.