The NEWS (Monrovia)
14 July 2008
Monrovia — President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has paid tribute to former South African President Nelson Mandela, whom she said paved the way for a new generation of leaders and the emergence of democratization in Africa.
She said Mr. Mandela's leadership impacted on the holding of free and fair elections on the continent and the peaceful transfer of power from one civilian government to another.
An Executive Mansion dispatch said President Sirleaf spoke in Johannesburg, South Africa, at Mr. Mandela's 90th birthday anniversary. The occasion was attended by dignitaries from around the world.
"We admire you, President Mandela, for returning justice and democracy to your country, South Africa, and in doing so, for becoming an inspiration for African and for peoples the world over." You have taught us that if one believes in compassion for humanity we can all make a difference," the Liberian leader said of President Mandela.
During the program, the Liberian President briefed the former South African President on the programs and policies of government since she assumed the leadership of the country.
The Liberian leader spoke of steady progress in the country's recovery program despite the enormous challenges her government faces. The Chief Executive informed President Mandela that she was exceptionally honored and humbled to be in his company and extended warm and best wishes on behalf of the Liberian people as Mr. Mandela observes his 90th birth anniversary.
The President told Mr. Mandela that the people of Liberia were proud of the exemplary leadership he has provided for the people of Africa and the world, adding, "Your courage and wisdom, added to your exceptional spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation is beyond imagination".
Expounding further, the Liberian leader spoke about injustices in places like Zimbabwe, and called on the global community not to ignore current troubles faced by the people of Zimbabwe.
"I cannot ignore the current troubles in Zimbabwe. I want to express my solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe as they search for solutions to the crisis in their country," the President said as her remarks earned applause from Mr. Mandela and a crowd of several hundred gathered in a community hall in Soweto, the famed Johannesburg Township.
President Johnson-Sirleaf acknowledged that though Liberia was far from southern Africa, and did not share this region's history of British colonial rule, however, the current situation in Zimbabwe were similar to those in Liberia more than 20 years ago.
"I hope part of the new Africa; an Africa rooted in many of the values demonstrated by you, President Mandela that all Africans have a responsibility for our collective future. It is, therefore, my and our responsibility to speak out against injustice everywhere," the Liberian added in apparent reference to Zimbabwe.
President Sirleaf was among the few voices at a recent African Union summit denouncing a June 27 presidential runoff in Zimbabwe that followed months of brutal attacks on opposition supporters. Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from the runoff because of the violence, but Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe went ahead, and claimed overwhelming victory.
The Liberian President also had come out in support of U.N. sanctions the United States had proposed in part to force President Mugabe to negotiate a power-sharing agreement with Tsvangirai.
However, the sanctions were vetoed by Russia and China when put to a vote last Friday before the U.N. Security Council.
The Former South African President, has meanwhile, praised President Sirleaf for the strong leadership she is providing for Liberia and its people. Mr. Mandela described President Sirleaf as an inspiring example to Africa and the world, adding, "We salute you for your courageous example."
The Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture is the flagship event of the dialogue programme. It forms part of the annual celebrations of Mr. Mandela's birthday. Its purpose is to honor Mr. Mandela and provide a platform for a leader of international standing an opportunity to present their views on a critical issue impacting on society at large.
President Sirleaf and delegation left Johannesburg Sunday afternoon for a two-day state visit to Namibia following which she returns to the country.
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