Liberia Government (Monrovia)
13 January 2009
Discussions have taken place between Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and leading French government officials.
French Prime Minister Francois Fillon; Foreign and European Affairs Minister Bernard Kouchner and the Secretary of State for Human Rights and Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Rama Yade, were among French government officials who held talks with the Liberian leader during her recent visit to France to attend the 'New World, New Capitalism' symposium.
In separate meetings, the officials expressed satisfaction over the progress taking place in Liberia and assured the Liberian leader of the French government's support of Liberia's development initiatives. They renewed their government's support in capacity-building for the Liberia National Police (LNP). Foreign Minister Kouchner informed President Johnson Sirleaf that his government will be sending instructors to Liberia to assist with the training of officials of the LNP. France, which is also providing 13 million Euros in bilateral assistance to Liberia, is considering providing logistical support to the Liberian police. As part of their bilateral assistance, France will also assist in the construction of a number of customs and border posts for the Liberian Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN).
According to an Executive Mansion release, the Liberian President spoke warmly of the increasing level of cooperation between France and Liberia and lauded the Government of France for its continued support in Liberia's development programs. The President also recalled France's leading role in assisting Liberia to settle its huge financial debt burden.
During a dinner held in honor of the President by the French Prime Minister, Francois Fillon, President Johnson Sirleaf also urged the government of France to use its influence in settling the political situation in Guinea. The Liberian leader expressed concern over the situation in Gaza, and urged France and all peace-loving nations of the world to act in bringing the violence to an end. France currently chairs the Security Council of the United Nations.
The meetings with the French officials were follow-up discussions emanating from previous discussions between the Liberian President and French President Nicholas Sarkozy.
During the trip to France, the Liberian leader met with former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and thanked him for his support of Liberia's recovery program during his tenure as Prime Minister. The Liberian leader informed the former British Prime Minister of her country's steady progress, urging Mr. Blair of the need to keep the spotlight on Liberia. Despite progress in Liberia and the relative peace the sub-region now enjoys, President Johnson Sirleaf noted, there is a need to constructively engage the sub-region in an effort to sustain peace.
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