President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has directed that all foreign travels by Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Assistant Ministers are hereby suspended during the month of August 2012.

According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf said the directive is necessary in order for officials of Government to concentrate on the timely and efficient implementation of Government's development agenda as soon as the Budget is passed by the 53rd National Legislature.

The Liberian leader indicated that the only exception to this directive, when given substantial proof, will be to travel for serious illness or the death of closely related family members abroad.

This directive takes effect as of Wednesday, August 1.