The Inquirer (Monrovia)
Morrison O.G. Sayon
14 March 2008
Defense Minister Brownie J. Samukai has reiterated that the government of Liberia will not allow its territory to be used by any individual or group for subversive activities as was done in the past.
Minister Samukai said since the end of the senseless civil unrest in the country and the inception of the UP-led government, Liberia continues to do away with the past by establishing cordial relationships with its neighbors.
The defense minister made the assertion yesterday when he met with the newly accredited Ivorian Ambassador to Liberia, Elizabeth Toure, who paid him a courtesy call at his defense ministry office in Monrovia.
He further assured the Ivorian ambassador that Liberia means well in its promise to its neighbors that the country will foster a cordial and genuine relationship with other nations in the sub-region and other parts of the world. "We want an improved relationship with Ivory Coast," Minister Samukai intimated
Earlier, Ambassador Toure said the relationship between Ivory Coast and Liberia would be further strengthened with the kind of cooperation that presently exists between the governments of the two West African nations.
Ambassador Toure noted that there have been bitter situations in the West African sub-region but now that the situation is gradually improving, especially between the two countries, there is a need to review the bilateral ties that exist between the two countries.
The Ivorian Ambassador then expressed the hope that Liberia and Ivory Coast will work cooperatively in promoting peace and sanity in the sub-region.
The West African basin has been a troubled area during the past 14 years due to rebel activities but it seems that that situation is gradually being put under control by West African governments who are doing everything possible to get rid of the instability syndrome that had engulfed the enclave for a protracted period.
In a related development, an American warship is expected to arrive in the country on March 17, 2008 to offer some humanitarian assistance to post-war Liberia.
According to a defense ministry release, the African Partnership Station is a U.S.-led international effort aimed at enhancing regional and maritime safety and security in Western and Central Africa. Africa Partnership Station will conduct military and medical training as well as community relations projects in each of the countries visited.
The naval medical team on board the ship along with the non-governmental organization Project Hope will be conducting training at the John F. Kennedy Hospital as well as the Edward B. Kessely Barracks. JFK staff, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare staff and the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) medics will attend the training under the topics, midwifery, food handling, sanitation, first aid, dental issues, water and hygiene.
According to the release, the 22nd Naval Construction Regiment (Navy Seabees) will be working on selected schools and clinic projects that include a repair of and upgrade to Monrovia Demonstration School, Logan Town Clinic and the Clay Ashland Clinic. The Seebees will also repair and re-grade the Logan Town road, among other projects in Liberia.
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