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The NEWS (Monrovia)

Liberia: "We Won't Give Cause for Asylum"

Jimmey C. Fahngon

7 May 2008

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Monrovia — In the wake of recent media reports that President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was suffering from cancer and subsequent rumors of her death, the Liberian leader said her government would not give anyone the cause to seek political asylum.

Speaking to reporters Monday upon her arrival from the United States, President Johnson-Sirleaf said government would not go after people who are engaged in spreading falsehood just to gain political relevant.

She said even though some people were misusing democracy which allows freedom of expression, this would not make her government to go after them.

Johnson-Sirleaf: "If anyone wants for this government to move against him or her to cry for human right violation so as to seek political asylum, he or she will not get it."

However, she said people who are abusing the freedom they are enjoying must exercise such with responsibility.

President Johnson-Sirleaf said Liberians must be careful of how they spread falsehood especially the ones that will undermine the development and security of Liberia.

She called on the Liberian media to be more factual on the information they disseminate to the people so as not to mislead them.

The Liberian leader told the gathering that the news of her illness and subsequent death created lot of problems in the United States thereby making lot of people to call her.

She pointed out that such misguided news sends out negative signal to the international community about Liberia, adding "this could stop people from helping us in our reconstruction drive."

But she said, "I will bury most of those who want me dead because I am not dying now."

The Liberian Chief Executive said she was declared fit and healthy by doctors who examined her in the United States, saying "I'm back with new vigor and ever ready to work."

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