Liberia Government (Monrovia)
9 October 2008
A meeting aimed at strengthening ties between President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the people of Grand Gedeh has taken place in Monrovia at the Ministry of Foreign Ministry. The meeting was also meant to enable Retired General Charles Julue express appreciation to President Johnson Sirleaf for the recent clemency granted him.
During Thursday's meeting, Retired General Julue thanked the President for his release from detention and praised her for working tirelessly in bringing peace to Liberia. "I am convinced that your initiative has opened a great corridor for the respect of the rights of every citizen," the General admitted, adding that "this is clearly manifested in the freedom of speech, freedom of movement of all citizens and the respect for the rule of law and due process." Making reference of the President's leadership, General Julue said "the power you justly inherited and hold by virtue of your office, has been exercised with humility and a deep sense of regard for the rights of the individual citizen". He expressed the belief that Liberians understanding of "what happened in the past, will inform our present and guide" our future, expressing the hope that all Liberians at home and abroad will be obligated to objectively act honestly and put forth the best energies to serve as a key factor in promoting development, the maintenance of peace, stability and unity of the nation. The former AFL General than challenged the Liberian leader to remain fearless in her desire to bring about change in the country. Gen. Julue appealed to President Johnson Sirleaf to assist him in receiving his benefits after years of service in the Armed Forces of Liberia.
The Julue urged the President to be mindful of individuals bent on falsehood for their personal gains, adding 'lies and hatred will not build this country.' The retired army general emphasized that Liberia will only be built by Liberians, urging all citizens to put aside their differences and move the country forward. "If you read or hear anything about me, Madam President, please sent for me and inquire the truth," General Julue urged the President.
Responding, President Johnson Sirleaf acknowledged that all Liberians have suffered in one way or another a result of the civil crisis. "All of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God'. The President said it was important the all Liberians strive for a country in which every Liberian can feel like they have equal opportunity. The President assured the people of Grand Gedeh that their county remains high on her priority list whenever she engages Liberia's development partners for support. The Liberian leader expressed the hope that all Liberians will believe in the sincerity of her government to reconcile and unite the country. She assured retired General Julue that his request for pension benefits will be reviewed and addressed with Defense Ministry authorities.
The meeting, which also included Senator William Sandy and Representative Kai Farley of the Grand Gedeh County's Legislative Caucus, the County's Superintendent Chris Bailey, Minister Jackson Doe, Ambassador Trohoe Kpargahai and Internal Affairs Minister Ambulai Johnson, also drew strong statements of support from opinion leaders of the county. The Head of the Konoboh Administrative District Association, Mr. George Tarley, Zwedru City Mayoress Ophelia Gbaley and Cheaye Gaye, a distinguished elder of the county, passionately commended the President for her interest and support for the county.
Meanwhile, the Grand Gedeh opinion leaders have lauded the President for the recent clemency granted two of their sons, Mr. Samuel Diah and Glay Diah respectively. The people of Konoboh Statutory District, they said will forever remain grateful for the humanatarian gesture. The two men were sentenced to death for administering sasswood to a female resident of Konoboh District in 2005.
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