The Inquirer (Monrovia)
Winnie Saywah
6 May 2008
Monrovia — President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf yesterday returned to the country from the United States of America, after almost three weeks of absence from the country.
The Liberian leader was heartily received back home by a cross section of her government officials, officials and members of the ruling Unity Party as well as Liberians from all walks of life.
Shortly upon her arrival late yesterday evening, the President addressed the press on a wide range of national issues, ranging from issues of armed robbery; increment in the price of petroleum; the last Friday's judgment of the Criminal Court "A," acquitting retried General Charles Julu and Col. Andrew Dorbor among several others.
On the issue of an increase in the pump price of petroleum products and other basic commodities on the market, the President said the issue was a global matter but however, a national solution needed to be found in addressing it.
She said while away, she was in constant contact with the relevant government agencies and functionaries that are responsible in addressing price issues on the market, stressing that she was in control of the situation.
President Sirleaf said some of these increment like for example, the issue concerning the petroleum products, were necessary to avoid shortage on the market.
She said a supplementary budget was being worked on at the moment to see how institutions like the Monrovia Transit Authority (MTA) can work to address the issue of strengthening the public transport system especially at a time when the price of petroleum has escalated.
She, however, appealed to the citizenry to be patient as the government works to address some of these issues. The President also appealed to commercial drivers to consider the plight of the people and avoid increasing the prices.
On the issue of the recent ruling of the Criminal Court "A," President Sirleaf said she respects the ruling of the court but pointed out that it was the general thinking that government had solid evidence to convict the accused.
Addressing the issue of armed robbery, President Sirleaf who dispelled claims that she was ill and had died in the United States, commended the Minister of Justice and the Liberian National Police (LNP) for the drastic action taken thus far in bringing the situation under control. Details of the President's comments to the media would be published in our subsequent edition.
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