29 June 2009
Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says government welcomes the participation of Liberians residing in the United States and other countries abroad in the country's reconstruction.
The President said such involvement would be more effective if Liberians unify their efforts and work to achieve national development and reconciliation. The President said government remains receptive to ideas which will help enhance growth and national development and reconciliation.
According to an Executive Mansion release, the Liberian leader made the comments Thursday when the President of the Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas, Mr. Anthony Kesselly, paid a courtesy call on her during his visit to Liberia.
The President briefed Mr. Kesselly on progress government has made in its development initiatives under the Poverty Reduction Strategy now referred to as 'Lift Liberia.'
The Liberian leader spoke of the many challenges still facing the country despite progress, and called on Liberians residing in the United States and other parts of the world to visit the country to get first hand impression of developments at home.
On proposals calling for the introduction of absentee ballots in the next general elections, the Liberian President said she welcomed the principle but a thorough review of the process is needed to ensure that it is not manipulated if implemented.
The President again expressed her support for the passage of legislation which will grant dual citizenship to Liberians, noting that the adoption of such could address the issue of absentee ballots.
The ULAA President thanked the Liberian leader for the meeting, and expressed his organization's preparedness to working with Government to achieve its national development goals.
Mr. Kesselly lauded the President for her support for an extension in the Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Liberians residing in the United States.
He spoke of the need for stronger partnership between the Liberian government and ULAA so to reinforce the efforts aimed at addressing the needs of Liberians living in the United States and the Diaspora.
Mr. Kesselly then extended an invitation to the Liberian President for a meeting with ULAA executives during her next visit to the United States. The President has accepted the invitation.
The ULAA President was in the country to attend the National Reconciliation Conference hosted by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
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