The following remarks were made by Liberia's Ambassador to the United States M. Nathaniel Barnes at a press conference marking Liberian/American cooperation on global drug trafficking.
Good afternoon, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen. I am honored to participate in this press briefing.
On behalf of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and the Government of Liberia, I would Like, at the onset, to acknowledge and pay special homage to the valiant men and women on the frontline and in the trenches of the war against global drug trafficking. It is only because of brave and courageous law enforcement officers that we are able to celebrate successes such as the one we are here to acknowledge today.
This particular event sends messages on several fronts:
First, Global drug trafficking affects the entire world, indeed, our common humanity. Rich or poor; powerful or weak, we all are negatively impacted when illicit drugs enter our lives, whether it is within our families, our communities or our nations. Therefore, it is all of our responsibility to get involved in the fight against the trafficking of illegal drugs.
Second, the fight against global drug trafficking should not be a unilateral fight. An effective and sustainable solution demands that all members of our global community become actively involved in this struggle.
The case today is a clear example of how we can be successful when we collaborate as partners against a common enemy. The Government of Liberia acknowledges with deep appreciation the commitment, focus, and professionalism, of the United States Government in this effort of partnership. It was only through a solid partnership, marked by mutual dedication, commitment, similarity of values and singularity of purpose that we are able to mark this major bust as a success. There is still much to be done. The criminals engaged in illicit drug trafficking are not going to give up. They are determined to ply their evil and dastardly trade globally. We must unite in our efforts to apprehend them and be more determined than they are!
Third, this event marks a watershed in the transformation of Liberia. Just a few years ago, my country was at war with itself. Internationally, we were seen as a rogue state and a global pariah. We were subjected to economic sanctions and were isolated. Thanks to the efforts of the African Union, the United Nations and our bilateral friends, such as the United States, we started a serious turn-around in 2005. Through the power of democracy, we are transforming ourselves from an outlaw state into an active and vibrant member of the community of nations contributing in valuable ways like this towards a safer and better world for all.
Fourth and finally, the Government of Liberia takes this opportunity to say that even though Liberia is open for business, and we welcome legitimate business partners, we do not, and I repeat, DO NOT, want business like this! We are warning you…DRUG TRAFFICKERS, STAY OUT OF LIBERIA! We will use all that we have at our disposal to fight to keep this scourge out of our country and sub-region.
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We wish to thank the United States Attorney's Office, the U. S. Drug Enforcement Agency and all others involved in this effort. You can rest assured of our resolve to stand up against this evil phenomenon and we welcome and embrace a sustained partnership with the Government of the United States of America.
Thank you.
