MONROVIA -- The United States ambassador in Liberia on Tuesday called on Liberian rebels and troops loyal to the ousted president Charles Taylor to "end pointless fighting on all fronts".

Speaking at his first press conference since fighting in Monrovia subsided, John Blaney expresssed concern about hitches in the implementation of the peace accord signed between rebels and members of the former government.

He urged the LURD and MODEL rebel groups as well as government troops to abide by the terms of the Accra agreements. "Now let there be peace, and a safer, richer, new Liberia," Blaney told local and international journalists at the US Information Resource Center in Monrovia, adding: "This war is over."

He said troops on all sides and their commanders needed to understand that killing was a crime for which any perpetrator would be personally held responsible.

"Murder is a crime. Looting is a crime. Rape is a crime. Stealing from government coffers is a crime," he said. "Destroying property is a crime. Criminals will be caught and punished. The days of impunity are finished."

Blaney said the ECOMIL West African peacekeeping force was not in the country to take sides, "except the side of peace and justice, and also to ensure that humanitarian assistance is for all the Liberian people".

Washington welcomed former president Charles Taylor's departure into exile last month, he added. "As Liberia's oldest friend, the United States believes the departure of Charles Taylor presents an opening for Liberia to make peace, strengthen democracy and justice, develop economically and create a better life for all Liberians."

Blaney promised more US aid would soon be forthcoming, and would be channeled through NGOs, international organizations and UN agencies.