The NEWS (Monrovia)
Robbie Semple
23 April 2008
Monrovia — Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon departed Liberia Tuesday after a twenty four hour whistle-stop tour of the country. The prevailing mood throughout yesterday's engagements was wholly uplifting, if devoid of real substance.
At an official lunch at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary General and his wife were gowned by a tribal chief.
"In Liberia, we don't ask what we can do for you. That is disjointed. Instead we ask what we can be. Today, we will be your brothers and sisters," Minister for Information Laurence Bropleh explained.
In a toast, Vice President Joseph Boakai thanked the Secretary General for his visit. Mr. Ban replied, saying he was "deeply honored by the warm reception."
"The bond between the UN and Liberia is strong and we are committed to helping you with your noble efforts to rebuild. Long live the Republic of Liberia!"
The stage was set for a potentially tense morning two hours previously by House Speaker J. Alex Tyler. After thanking the UN for all they have done, he went on to raise the touchy subject of the pace of the draw down of the UN's military presence here, as well as challenging Mr. Ban to review the travel ban on members of Charles Taylor regime which remains in place.
In addressing the joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives, Mr. Ban was quick to reassure the houses that, though the drawdown has begun, it will continue in a "gradual and phased" way and will be "linked to the government's ability to assume full responsibility for its national security."
"I will do everything in my power to ensure the gains you have made are safe and beyond jeopardy," Mr. Ban proclaimed to a round of applause.
At a brief press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ban continued his hopeful tone.
He described his meetings with both the Vice President and cabinet ministers as "constructive" and expressed his deep appreciation to all for the work they are doing.
He thanked members of the legislature, who he affirmed are "doing their utmost to help the people of Liberia."
Though highlighting the many challenges still facing Liberia, particularly "the scourge of rape," which Mr. Ban claimed "goes against everything the UN stands for," the Secretary General emphasized that he is "encouraged by and proud of achievements here."
When pressed on the issue of travel bans imposed on officials of Charles Taylor's regime, Mr. Ban looked to dance around the potentially controversial issue. "Any sanctions are the responsibility of the Security Council, and any requests of this nature must be brought to the focal point of the UN sanction committee on Liberia.
Equally magnanimous on the diplomatic blip of President Sirleaf's absence, Mr. Ban was quick to clarify that there is no bad blood "This trip was arranged at very short notice. The President telephoned me and explained her difficult schedule. It is not a source of any concern or regret."
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