Taylor takes stand in war crimes trial

THE HAGUE, Netherlands, July 14 (UPI) -- Former Liberian despot Charles Taylor testified on his own behalf Tuesday as the first defense witness in his war crimes trial at The Hague, Netherlands.

Taylor, 61, in his first statement to the court, denied accusations that he was a killer and terrorist, CNN reported.

The former Liberian president has pleaded not guilty to 11 counts, including murder, sexual slavery, terrorism and torture. He is being tried by the special Court for Sierra Leone.

"It is quite incredible that such descriptions of me would come about. Very, very, very unfortunate that the prosecution -- because of this information, misinformation, lies, rumors -- would associate me with such

titles or descriptions," he said. "I am none of those, have never been, and will never be, whether they think so or not."

The prosecution, which has rested its case, accused Taylor of arming and commanding rebel groups to boost his sway in West Africa and to seize area encompassing diamond mines in neighboring Sierra Leone, The New York Times reported.

Taylor, once one of Africa's most notorious warlords, was president of Liberia from 1997 to 2003 and was subsequently forced into exile.