Liberia Government (Monrovia)
6 March 2008
The Roberts Flight Information Region (FIR) has been officially returned to Liberia. Speaking Thursday at a ceremony marking the Center's return, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf described the move as an indication of the spirit of cooperation and solidarity now existing among member countries of the Mano River Union.
The Liberian leader noted that the return of the Roberts Flight Information Region is another indication that Liberia is again trying to get on the right track. An Executive Mansion release said the President praised the warm relationship existing among member countries of the three Mano River Union States. She said efforts are continuing to include the Cote d'Ivoire in the sub-regional grouping to broaden its scope, "to ensure that never again will any of our borders be used to wage war against any government." The Liberian leader lauded Transport Ministers of the three countries for promoting the cooperation, which she said will go along way in strengthening regional cooperation and integration.
The President commended the Director-general of Liberia's Civil Aviation Authority, Mr. Archie Williams, for his relentless efforts in convincing and assuring member countries that Liberia is ready to manage the facility properly to the satisfaction of all.
Earlier in remarks, Director-general Williams lauded President Johnson Sirleaf for the political commitment she has demonstrated in facilitating the return of the Flight Information Region to its original headquarters. He disclosed that a Technical Committee of the FIR has put in place an 'Expert Group' to study the possibility of setting up an Airline, to be known and styled 'Air Mano,' to meet the demands of the three states.
The Flight Information Region was established in 1975 by Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia to have aeronautic oversight responsibility within the airspace of the three countries. Headquartered in Liberia since its inception, the FIR was forced to relocate twice due to the conflicts in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Thursday's ceremony was witnessed by the Outgoing and Incoming Transport Ministers of Liberia as well as officials of the Transport Ministries of Guinea and Sierra Leone.
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