28 November 2008
It is sometimes challenging, if not difficult, especially for ordinary people to pinpoint the contributions of multiplicity of actors who conduct both direct and indirect (behind -the- scene, multi-track diplomacy towards the resolution of nearly intractable conflicts.
This is especially so for other conflict theaters as well as West Africa, a key zone of conflict that has posed considerable headaches and nausea for the global community.
But the candid reflection on the helpful roles played by the visiting world leader by the Liberian Chief Executive, who as a product of protracted connection with the global system, is eye opening to say the least.
Her knowledge of inner workings of international politics at the highest echelons is beneficial to all and sundry to recognize such remarkable contributions by Ahtisaari and others towards peace in her postwar country.
President Sirleaf, who made these disclosures at her temporary offices at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia yesterday, used the occasion to commend the skillful peacemaker for being so inspiring in his numerous efforts for peace across the globe that has been rewarded by the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize and other important awards. Gauging the emphasis of the Liberian President yesterday, The Analyst follows up from an Executive Mansion Dossier to carve this report.
The 2008 winner of the Nobel Prize for Peace and former President of Finland, Martti Ahtisaari, who is on a short tour of the postwar country to highlight improved governance as key element for peace consolidation was yesterday commended for his effort for peace in Liberia and elsewhere.
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf paid tribute to the former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari for his efforts to aid Liberia's reconstruction and development. Mr. Ahtisaari, is in Liberia on a two-day visit to lend support to strengthening governance in the country.
Briefing Mr. Ahtisaari, who has served as Special Representative for the Secretary General on United Nations Peacekeeping missions in Namibia and other conflict contexts in South America, Asia and Europe, President Sirleaf divulged the achievements and constraining factors on the pillars of her government's development agenda with key emphases on the poverty reduction strategy.
President Sirleaf informed the visiting peace builder that Liberians fully participated in the consultative process that led to the formulation of the document, now referred to as "LIFT LIBERIA." The President stressed that economic revitalization; a key pillar of the PRS is well underway, noting that government's vision remains clear.
Also addressing the forum, President Ahtisaari said he was pleased that Liberia is placing emphasis on rebuilding its educational sector. The former Finnish leader challenged President Johnson Sirleaf to continue the reform programs, which he believes, will achieve positive results for the Liberian people. He expressed the hope that the people of Liberia would continue to support the President in her efforts to bring change to the country.
The Executive Mansion dossier also revealed that President Johnson Sirleaf and Mr. Ahtisaari were speaking on Thursday, November 27, 2008 which was the first day of an interactive seminar with the label 'Governance out of a box,' held at the Foreign Ministry.
Bringing together development partners, members of the diplomatic corps and civil society organizations, the seminar has variously been described as a very positive endeavor that aided in focusing on development in the post conflict setting.
President Ahtisaari later held talks with President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf at her Foreign Ministry Office. The two leaders discussed issues relating to the country's development agenda and efforts to speed up the process.
During the former Finnish President's two-day visit to the country, he will also form part of an 'open dialogue' session on the restoration and consolidation of state authority in Liberia.
The forum, organized by the Civil Affairs section of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL),will be held on Friday, November 29, 2008 in Monrovia.
According to the dossier, the two-day seminar is being co-sponsored by the Ministry of Health, the Executive Director of Crisis Management Initiative and the Former President of Finland, Mr. Martti Ahtisaari.
The seminar is reportedly geared at exploring the "Governance out of a Box" concept in general, and more specifically, to discuss on the feasibility of a mobile birth and death registration tool, which could be developed in Liberia.
The seminar is a result of a year-long discussion between the Government of Liberia and the Crisis Management Initiative, a non-profit organization, which seeks to develop and test more effective approaches and tools for mediation and state-building.
The Former Finnish leader and delegation will depart Monrovia on today, Friday, Nobember 28, 2008.
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