A civil society organization - Coalition of Youth & Students to Enhance Peace and Democracy in Liberia- has come to the defense of Finance Minister Amara Konneh, strongly condemning a recent protest staged against him.

The protesters alleged that Finance Minister Konneh is not qualified for the position, and that he was supporting rampant corruption at the Ministry of Finance.

In a statement issued yesterday under the signature of its Executive Director, Amos B.S. Kanneh, the group accused Representative Acarous Gray of masterminding the protest action by some youth and students in order to tarnish the good intentions of Minister Konneh.

According to them, such action as unpatriotic and undemocratic as it does not reflect the good image of an elected official of government, especially the people of District 8 which he (Gray) represents.

The coalition therefore urged the youths of this country not to allow themselves to be used by few disgruntled politicians who are usually misrepresenting their people at the National Legislature by allowing their political ambition to undermine the good work of orders.

Under the stewardship of Minister Konneh, they said, the government has been able to put forth a multiple budgets system for the first time in this country as well as installing an electronic board for an open budget initiative at the Ministry of Finance.

It also said the rapid growth and development of the country's economy through infrastructure and other social services and the most recent retroactive salary payment for civil servants are all laudable achievements of Minister Konneh.

According to them, his activities at the Ministry of Finance do not warrant such disgusting and diminishing protest action.

The coalition called on all Liberians, especially civil organizations, youth and student groups to equally condemn the so-called protest action perpetrated by Representative Gray.

The collation also urged Rep. Gray to remain focus on the people of District # 8 which he represents and not to engage in petty propaganda against other officials of government who have good intention for this country.

Meanwhile the coalition is also calling on Minister Konneh to remain focus and t o be deterred by political detractors who continued to disrupt the functions of other branches of government.