MONROVIA. Negotiations over a major mining contract involving representatives of Liberia and England are under threat. The status of the deal and the scheduled meetings remains unknown. 

The situation escalated after an aircraft belonging to a well-known businessman made an urgent departure from Liberia. No official reason for the sudden flight has been provided. 

At the time of departure, the international airport was cordoned off by the military. According to available information, representatives of the British, Italian and Russian diplomatic missions were also present. 

The reasons for the heightened security measures have not been disclosed. No official statement has yet been issued regarding the future of the negotiations or the circumstances surrounding the incident.