The Government of Liberia (GOL) through the Ministry of Justice has issued an official eviction notice to the occupants of the Ducor Palace Hotel situated at upper Broad Street in Monrovia.

The eviction notice that was issued on April 9, 2007, gave those illegally occupying the building a one-month grace period to vacate.

The eviction notice signed by Justice Minister and Attorney General, Cllr. Frances Johnson Morris, said, "as the government continues to seek means by which it can revive the economy and create more employment opportunities for its citizens, it has concluded an agreement with the Libyan Government for the renovation of the hotel."

According to the eviction notice the Libyan Government would renovate and subsequently operate the Ducor Hotel.

The government said in order to incept the project in keeping with the time-agreement between the Government of Liberia and Libya, the Ministry of Justice is advising those illegally occupying the hotel to vacate the premises within one month effective April 9, 2007.

Accordingly, at the expiration of the deadline, which is Wednesday, May 9, 2007, the Ministry of Justice would be left with no alternative but to take the necessary action under the law to evict anyone failing to abide by the eviction order.

The Ministry of Justice has therefore advised all concerned to govern themselves accordingly and avoid any future embarrassment.

The Ducor Palace Hotel, which was one of Liberia's classic hotels for many years was operated by the Intercontinental Hotel Chains, but went into ruins as a result of the Liberia Civil War.

At the height of the civil conflict, the hotel became a home for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), many of whom claimed to have been paying rent.

Recently the Chairman of the National Investment Commission (NIC) informed President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf that the Libyans were now ready to embark on the renovation and the operation of the hotel.

The President then instructed the Ministry of Justice to evict those who continue to occupy the hotel illegally.