allAfrica.com: Liberia: Govt Must Provide Inspiration & Leadership (Page 1 of 2)

Whether it is in Accra or back home in Liberia, Liberians seem convinced that peace will be restored to the nation when Liberians simply told the truth under a systematic process of confession and forgiveness monitored by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

But, a US-based Liberian movement, Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), says there is just too much general uneasiness, fears, uncertainty and mistrust in Liberia to overwhelm the simplicity of the truth and reconciliation process and it is calling for a more comprehensive engagement of the peace process.

The movement headed by T. Q. Harris, Jr. told President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf in a letter that in order for healing and rebuilding to begin in earnest, steps must be taken to establish national dialogue on a number of critical questions.

The movement identified the "critical questions" as the establishment of a war crimes court, the resolution of the plight of former combatants, the stimulation of the private sector in the wake of the downsizing of civil servants, the repatriation, resettlement of refugees and internally displaced persons, and the settling of land and real property disputes.

The f ull text of Mr. Harris' communication to President Sirleaf:

SOLIDARITY & TRUST FOR A NEW DAY (STAND)

P. O. Box 2034

Long Beach, California 90801

Email: stand@who.net Phone: (562) 394-0285

March 24, 2008

H.E. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

President of Liberia

Monrovia, Republic of Liberia

Dear Madam President:

We are writing to inform you that fellow compatriots at home and abroad - concerned about the current direction in which the country is headed; yet optimistic that working together we can scale any mountain, subdue any obstacle, defeat any enemy - have called upon us and requested we approach your esteemed office with an appeal for dialogue, leaving no doubt that the people collectively are absolutely committed to complete and total restoration of our common patrimony.

We seek common ground and understanding, as well as brotherly and sisterly cooperation which are critical in addressing once and for all those difficult issues well known to all, but yet have for more than a century stood in the way of meaningful progress and fulfillment of the ideals upon which this nation was founded.

We are fully aware that this house divided against itself can not stand. Therefore, we in no way intend to obstruct any effort, resist any plan, or impede any initiative that will restore pride and dignity to the Liberian people. Rather, we are prepared and willing to give our all, even to the full measure of our patriotic duty to restore this nation to a respectable place among the family of nations.

This nation - Africa's first republic - must remain a beacon of hope, not by our own design, but by divine providence. Evidently, the Continent's overall decline within the past 30 years, based on the most optimistic assessment, mirrors the diminishing luminance of this beacon. This is an indication that a vibrant, functional Liberia serves not only the interests of Liberians, but Africa as a whole. In these challenging times, Liberia must provide inspiration and leadership.

Therefore, Madam President, in the spirit of reconciliation, we respectfully request an audience at your earliest convenience so that together we may explore possible remedies to the issues weighing heavily on the minds of the Liberian people, making it difficult for them to engage in long-term planning or feel the country is safe enough to begin rebuilding their lives. It is widely believed the current lull in violence is a direct result of United Nations Troops presence. We must change this perception.

It is important to note thousands of Liberians, including those currently living under the harshest conditions, have consistently expressed their unwillingness to return home after more than five years following cessation of hostilities. This speaks loudly to the general uneasiness and uncertainty pervasive amongst Liberians. There is no arguing security and stability are major concerns. However, together we can allay these fears while offering assurances so confidence may be restored.

The Liberian people generally believe, and we concur, that in order for healing and rebuilding to begin in earnest, steps must be taken to address a number of critical issues, which include but are not limited to:

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