Liberia's president says may run in next election

By JONATHAN PAYE-LAYLEH Associated Press Writer

MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) - Liberia's president says she has not ruled out running for office again in 2011, despite campaign promises to only serve one term.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who turned 71 on Thursday, told The Associated Press she would base her decision on her "continued good health" and "upon the wishes of the people."

Sirleaf, a Harvard-trained economist, has been a darling of the international community ever since her election in 2005, when she became Africa's first democratically elected female head of state.

In July, a truth and reconciliation commission recommended that she and 50 others be banned from public office for 30 years.

But Sirleaf says she gave up to $10,000 to a rebel group intending it be used for humanitarian services.