President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has called on Liberians to join hands in consolidating peace and foster the post-war development drive saying the country has already survived the worst of the effect of civil crisis. "We have come a long way. We have survived the worst; there is no turning back. Let us seize the moment, and make the most of what God has given us," President Sirleaf said Friday at program marking the 166th Independence Anniversary of the country.

Acknowledging the goodwill and respect of the Liberian people, the president believes that the international community believes in the Liberian people knowing that the promise can be fulfilled and the dream of prosperity can be realized.

Addressing the nation, the president said "We have works to do. We must get on with the task of building a better Liberia for all Liberians. We must work together in the spirit of teamwork, cooperation and love for our country. We must build a vibrant and strong Liberia of which we can be proud," the president told the nation.

She said Liberians have worked to get the nation on course adding: "We must get on with the task of building a better Liberia for all Liberians. We must work together in the spirit of teamwork, cooperation and love for our country. We must build a vibrant and strong Liberia of which we can be proud."

"Today we celebrate our collective and individual contribution to our country's development and progress. Let us re-sensitize and renew ourselves, in terms of our patriotism and responsibility. Let us love our country; this is fundamental to progress. Join us in nation building. Join us in the processes of change. Make a small sacrifice, for the good of ourselves and our country" the president added.

The president recalled that despite the size and the challenges Liberia face, a month ago, deployed a small contingent of troops for the ECOWAS, now United Nations, and peacekeeping mission in Mali. But said the feedback she is getting is that the Liberia soldiers in Mali are performing very well adding: "Liberia's participation is our small way of giving back, after the many years in which ECOWAS, the UN and other friends and partners intervened to restore peace, order and stability here during our own darkest hour. Our participation in a peacekeeping operation signals our intention to resume our historic role as a peacemaker in the region and on the continent."

"In searching for lasting solutions to our problems, we have found that when we share the work of governing with the people of Liberia, we foster an environment of inclusiveness and promote sustainable development. This is possible because in combining our energies, we can achieve more; in sharing our fortunes fairly, we do justice and promote peace; and in participating in decisions that affect us, we can together take responsibility for our destiny," she said.

The Liberian leader added that Liberians have chosen the path of decentralization of decision-making and government authority, so as to improve governance, increase transparency, enhance accountability and, ultimately, deliver better public services.

She said in keeping with this policy, the Agriculture, Education, Health and Gender Ministries and, more recently, the Civil Service Agency, have begun to move their operations to the counties, and that process will continue for all sectors.