A Liberian jury has acquitted ex-President Gyude Bryant on charges of embezzling about $1m (£670,000) while in office.

However, he still faces charges of stealing some $1.3m in a separate case.

Mr Bryant, a businessman, headed the country during a transitional phase after the end of the 14-year civil war in 2003.

After landmark elections, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf became Africa's first elected female president in 2006.

Mr Bryant was appointed by regional peace brokers to lead Liberia's transitional administration when former President Charles Taylor went into exile in 2003.

Mr Bryant led a power-sharing administration which included supporters of Mr Taylor, as well as various rebel factions.

- BBC  News