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Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2008 Annual Report SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION IN AFRICA During the period under review, Africa continued to experience the impact of the Global financial down turns and economic decline, with increase in the drug trade, movement of African economic migrants to Europe, coupled with the abrupt increase in the prices of fuel and basic food commodities. As Africa grappled with the economic and financial spill over from the global financial crunch and other social problems, several African countries experienced street demonstrations. Such countries included Senegal, Cote d"Ivoire, Cameroon and Guinea. On another front, immense efforts were deployed by the World Health Organization and African Health authorities to reduce and eventually eradicate Malaria, minimize the spread of HIV/AIDS and other diseases which continue to plaque the Continent and undermine regional initiatives for socio-economic growth and development. In related developments, there were incessant reports of the increase in illegal drug trade in West Africa. This new phenomenon is reported to be gaining a foot hold in the sub-region at an alarming rate. Agents of the drug cartel are said to be infiltrating the ranks of Governments and security forces in the sub-region. In July of the reviewing period, a Venezuelan aircraft touched down at the Lungi International Airport in Freetown with a huge cargo of cocaine on board. The pilots and crew members were later arrested by the Sierra Leonean security forces. This situation led to the dismissal of Sierra Leone"s Minister of Transport. In the West African countries of Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Guinea and Ghana, there are reports that monies from the illicit drug trades are being used to finance political activities and campaigns and other activities to the disadvantage of the general good of these countries. These activities are now said to claim the attention of Governments and international organizations responsible to regulate the use of narcotics and other harmful drugs. -1- In Liberia, activities of drug traders were said to also be on an increase. Recently, authorities at the Ministry of Justice and the Police destroyed several million kilograms of cocaine confiscated from drug traffickers. NATURAL DISASTERS Natural disasters in Africa during the reviewing period took the form of torrential rains leading to flooding, on the one hand, and the scarcity of water and the rains causing drought in many countries, on the other. The resulting flooding from the heavy rains eroded fertile agricultural terrain which denied the population in several West and Southern African countries of their usually plentiful harvest and also made planting impracticable. In Ethiopia among other countries, drought has caused famine and other adverse situations for the population in those areas. The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP) have been involved in helping Governments of the affected areas to find solutions to these problems which many believed are the results of global warming. POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN ASIA PEOPLE"S REPUBLIC OF CHINA During the year under review, China experienced a number of natural calamities. First, it was hit by an unprecedented snow and ice disaster for an extended period in several southern provinces. On May 12, 2008, an earthquake that measured 8.00 on the Richter magnitude scale, hit the Sichuan Province and killed about 70,000 people, injured another 400,000 and affected about 20 million people. Despite all these natural calamities, during the year under review, China successfully delivered the Olympic Games to the world. These games were among others characterized by distinctive all-round Chinese performance.. 2 China"s vision of voyaging into space came to pass. Its first ever space walk became a reality when Shenzhen 7 made a successful space trip with a three-man crew on board and returned to earth on September 28 with a successful landing. JAPAN Japan"s political life experienced some turbulences culminating in the change of the Government of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on September 1, 2008. Prior to his resignation, however, Prime Minister, Fukuda made significant diplomatic achievements, especially in the perennially uneasy China-Japan relations. However, it must be said that the Japanese people were more concerned about the economy and other social issues which eventually caused the Fukuda Government to be replaced by Mr. Taro Aso as Prime Minister. PAKISTAN Pakistan, an important ally of the United States, experienced a major political crisis which led to the resignation of President Pervez Musharaf on August 18, 2008. Mounting pressure from the two major political parties which threatened to resort to impeachment proceedings, criticisms from exiled politicians and a growing pro-democracy movement at home eventually brought down the Pakistani President. POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES On November 4, 2008, the United States held general elections for President and Vice President, Senators, Representatives, and State Governors. Following no less dramatic Primaries the Presidential candidates came down to Senators Barack Obama, an African- American (D-Illinois) and John McCain (R-Arizona). Senator Obama, the victor, received 338 electoral votes and 52% of the popular votes to Senator McCain"s 157 electoral votes and 47% of the popular votes. As a result, Senator Obama was elected as the first black President of the United States of America at the age of 47. POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN EUROPE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT 3 During the period under review, few European countries experienced change of leadership. In Italy, Prime Minister Romano Prodi lost a vote of confidence in Parliament and was forced to resign causing the Italian President to dissolve Parliament and call for snap elections in April 2008. In Austria, a quick legislative election for the National Council was held in September 2008. The election, the 24th in Austrian history, was necessitated by the withdrawal of the Austrian People"s Party leader, Wilhelm Molterer, from the Grand Coalition. In other electoral developments in Europe, the Russian Presidential Election held on March 2, 2008 resulted in the coming to power of Dmitry Medvedev as the third President of modern Russia. Mr. Medvedev, whose candidacy was supported by incumbent President Vladimir Putin and five Political Parties (United Russia, Fair Russia, Agrarian Party, Civilian Power, and the Russian Ecological Party), received 71% of the vote and defeated candidates from the Communist Party of the Russian Federation and the Democratic Party of Russia amongst others. This election in Russia saw the incumbent, Vladimir Putin, being appointed in the new Government as Prime Minister. Also during this period, Russia invaded Georgia over the secession ambition of the Province of Ossetia from Georgia. The invasion of Georgia became a tipping point for east-west relationship as it obliged Moscow to use military force to protect its sphere of influence and test the West"s commitment to its new allies in the East. In Britain, Prime Minister Tony Blair, was replaced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Gordon Brown, after heading the British Government as Labour Party Leader for some ten years. FINANCIAL CRISIS IN EUROPE During the reporting period, the collapse of financial institutions and major banks in the United States, rapidly evolved into a global problem resulting in the failure and decline of a number of European Banks, various stock indexes, and significant reductions in the market value of equities (stock) and commodities worldwide. Europe has joined political leaders and National Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Directors to coordinate their efforts to reduce impact on the ongoing crisis. European Governments announced National Relief 4 packages valued at hundreds of billions Euros in an effort to bail out Europe"s financial system followed the strategy meetings between Europe and the United States particularly to overhaul the International Financial Architecture LIBERIA'S FOREIGN RELATIONS Liberia"s Foreign Policy as referred to in the preface to this report, is firmly rooted in its political ideology of liberalism and democracy. Generally speaking, the guiding principles of Liberia"s foreign policy has been the maintenance of national security and the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country, the promotion of peace and harmony based on the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other States, and the unity of purpose in the international community. The economic thrust that Liberia experienced during the pre-war period was interrupted by socio-political upheavals culminating in an armed conflict reducing Liberia to a failed and Pariah State. But with the end of this dismal period and the ascension of Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, to the leadership of Africa"s first Republic in 2006, Liberia"s stature and standing in the comity of nations have immensely improved. This new status has been made possible due primarily to a radical change in the country"s foreign policy orientation adopted by the first democratically Female President on the African Continent. The pillars of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf"s new foreign policy orientation consist of a firm recommitment to the principles and ideals of the United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and the Mano River Union. Accordingly, Liberia reaffirmed her absolute adherence to the rules of international law, the principles of peaceful coexistence, non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations, respect for the sovereign and equality of all States. The central objective of this new foreign policy orientation is to secure the national interests through the forging and maintenance of closer and stronger ties of friendship and economic partnership with traditional allies and friends, as well as the opening of new avenues of engagement and mutual solidarity with other States. 5 The national interest, as pursued during the period between 2006 to 2008, are being served through the implementation of Government"s Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Program (IPRSP). Essentially, the IPRSP is anchored on four basic pillars; namely, security sector reform; economic revitalization; the rehabilitation of the infrastructure, the restoration of social services; and the pursuit of good governance and the rule of law. The Interim Poverty Reduction Strategy Program (IPRSP) was a bridge to a full Poverty Reduction Strategy Program (PRSP), which was launched in 2008 to be implemented over a period of three years. This program is to be followed by a development and economic plan designed for the socio-economic transformation of the country. Crucial to the successful realization of these reconstructions, development and renewal agenda is the acquisition of a good and appreciable international participation and inputs to supplement domestic resources for sustainable peace building and socio-economic renewal. Thus, the birth of the economic diplomacy, a key element of Liberia"s new Foreign Policy. LIBERIA – SWISS RELATIONS Though Switzerland has a history of assistance to Liberia during pre-war and post-war periods, its recent economic assistance to Liberia gathered momentum as a result of President Johnson Sirleaf"s visit to that country in 2006. Following her visit, the Swiss Government, through its Agency for Development and Cooperation, expressed interest in assisting Liberia in Rural Road Development, Education and Health. This led to the visit to Liberia of Ambassador Walter Fust, Director General of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation to assess major Projects in Liberia for possible Swiss funding. As an outcome of that visit, the Swiss government agreed to reconstruct the Lofa and Nimba Referral Hospitals, and the renovation of the Kolahun Road and rehabilitating and equipping schools in those areas among other activities. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation"s West Africa Office has established its presence in Monrovia to permit greater co-operation between our two (2) countries. The Swiss Confederation has also been active in providing Logistics for returning Liberian 6 Refugees. It may also be recalled that in November 2006, the Swiss Federal Councillor Samuel Schmidt, Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports visited Liberia to identify projects in the areas of Security, Health and Sports. LIBERIA – U.S. RELATIONS Relations between Liberia and the United States continue to be cordial and rewarding. The U.S. Government"s support to Liberia, as a country emerging from conflict, has been crucial in revitalizing the economy, strengthen good governance and the rule of law, rehabilitate infrastructure, enhance national security and the delivery of basic social services in the priority areas such as roads, electricity, health, education and other pro- growth initiatives within the framework of the country"s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). Amongst Liberia"s oldest and reliable Partner, the United States also led the international efforts to end the armed conflict in Liberia through its financial support for the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the training of the military and security personnel of the country. Additionally, the US has committed $400m in bilateral debt relief for Liberia, joining other partners in their efforts to remove a tremendous burden on the country"s meagre resources. As a consequence, Liberia is now recovering from its recent bitter past and entering into an era of economic and social renewal; a transition, which has been greatly aided by the support from the United States Government, the American Congress and the American people. As a further manifestation of U.S. commitment to Liberia"s reconstruction, another $80m grant, provided in the Fiscal Year 2008/09 budget of the U.S. Government for USAID funded programs, was recently signed by the two countries. In order to give concrete expression to the relationships between our two countries, the President of the United States of America, George W. Bush, paid a one-day Official Visit to Liberia as part of his African tour on February 21 2008. He was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Laura Bush, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other senior officials of the U.S. Government. Mr. Bush has become the 3rd U.S. President to visit Liberia, after Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt (1943) and Jimmy Carter (1978). The Bush visit took place against 7 the backdrop of the most cordial and friendly relationship that has ever developed between a Liberian leader and an American President. The visit also afforded both the President of the United States and his Liberian Counterpart, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the opportunity to exchange views on matters of mutual interests, including regional peace and security, bilateral cooperation and international terrorism, while the visit enable President Bush to see the progress that Liberia had made since the incumbency of H.E. Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as President of the Republic of Liberia. President Bush reasserted Liberia"s position as a very strong ally of the United States and pledged the strong support of the United States to Liberia"s national development agenda under its Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). The Government of Liberia and the United States have signed an agreement for the resumption of the Peace Corps Volunteer Program in Liberia on August 15, 2008. This agreement marked a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries, and further underscored the importance which President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf attaches to the education and health programs in the country. LIBERIA'S RELATIONS WITH EUROPEAN MISSONS During the reporting period, Liberia"s relations with European Missions near this capital remain cordial and harmonious. Liberia continues to receive Humanitarian as well as Economic Assistance from European partners in progress, notably, Germany, Britain, France, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, Switzerland, Italy, Spain including Turkey. Liberia also received debt reductions or total debt waivers from Germany, Britain, Denmark, Spain, and Italy as a result of President Sirleaf"s visits to those countries. There is hope that more European countries would follow suit in the debt relief regime, as modalities are worked out. Liberia has also received pledges of assistance from European Partners towards the Poverty Reduction Strategy. With the return of peace and stability in the country, European envoys from their various embassies in the Sub-region continue to converge on the Liberian Capital to present Letters 8 of Credence to the Liberian President. However, so far, only Germany and France have re- opened their Embassies near Monrovia since the end of the Civil Conflict in 2003. Spain and Switzerland have established consulates in Monrovia, and others continue to maintain Honorary Consuls or Administrators. The European Union has raised the level of its representation to Liberia while Sweden has opened up window for its development agenda. Liberia – China Relations Liberia-China relations have been productive, eventful, and mutually rewarding. Liberia is particularly interested in broadening this partnership, especially in areas of general economic cooperation, infrastructure development, agriculture, energy, education, culture, health and security. CHINESE ASSISTANCE TO LIBERIA China continued to support the development needs of Liberia by providing economic assistance to projects agreed by both sides. A number of agreements of Economic and Technical Cooperation nature were signed and several millions RMB Yuan were gratuitously provided towards construction projects including the new campus of the University of Liberia at Fendell near Monrovia and the establishment of the Liberia Broadcasting System FM radio network covering the entire country. PERSONNEL Presidential Appointments and Changes in the Ministry The Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Honourable Conmany B. Wesseh was appointed as Liberia"s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations but never took up his appointment in order to contest a Senatorial Post in Grand Kru County. During the same period, Mrs. Tennema S. Deline was appointed Director of the Bureau of Passports and Visas, replacing Madam Mary T. Broh who was appointed as Deputy Managing Director for Administration at the National Port Authority. 9 President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made additional appointments to the Ministry including three Assistant Ministers, namely, Hon. Josephus M. Gray to the Bureau of Public Affairs, Hon. Alphonso Nimene to the Bureau of International Organizations and Hon. George Wisner to the Bureau of Afro-Asian Affairs. The Ministry also proceeded with 91 recruitments, 28 promotions, 28 staff internally redeployed, three resignations, 17 dismissals, and seven persons were retired. During the period, 22 employees underwent training abroad, 32 persons went on annual leave, 27 employees were granted leave of absence. CURRENT WORK FORCE OF THE MINISTRY As regards the standing of the full Foreign Ministry staff, there are currently four hundred- seventy-five (475) positions allotted on the personnel listing. Out of these positions, a total of three hundred – eighty-six (386) employees are current on the payroll and on the job. A total of 39 positions are vacant. Out of the total number of employees on the job, 68.12% or 297 are males, while the 31.88% or 139 are females. OPERATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS The achievements realized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the period under review include the following: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs successfully carried out its responsibilities of formulating and implementing the Foreign Policy of the Government of Liberia in support of the vision President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, initiated actions to promote beneficial intercourse between Liberia and other nations and the International community, as well as protected the rights and interests of Liberia throughout the world. The Ministry, with the full support and direction of the President and through the activities of its various missions abroad made its contribution to the re-orient the previously negative image of Liberia abroad to a positive one. HONORARY CONSULAR CORPS In its efforts to re-organize Liberia"s Honorary Consular Corps around the world aimed at directing their activities strictly towards promoting and securing the interest of Liberia, as well as removing the negative image generated for Liberia through unscrupulous activities 10 of some of them, the Government of Liberia in Mid 2007 cancelled the appointments of all of Liberia"s Honorary Consuls General with the exception of some five who were directly related to its Maritime activities. New criteria have since been put in place for clearance of appointment of Honorary Consuls. OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL The office of the Inspector General assesses the overall effectiveness of the Missions as regards, amongst others, transfers and remittances from Central Administration; application and utilization of funds and status of Government"s assets. Following more than fifteen years of inactivity, the Office of the Inspector General of the Foreign Service was re- launched with support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). As such, Hon. Francis Johnson together with technical assistance of UNDP consultants undertook missions to several Liberian Diplomatic and Consular Missions namely, New York, Washington, D.C.., Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Rome, Nairobi, China and Japan as well as Addis Ababa. The Consulate in N"Zerekore and the Embassy in Guinea were also covered. HIGHLIGHTS OF RESULTS OF THE ASSESSMENTS 1. The introduction of accountability in the system of consular fees and funds remitted to each Diplomatic Mission. 2. In Nairobi, Kenya, GoL real estate property was identified; assessed by professional valuators and a law firm retained for repossessing Government"s property in that country, with the assistance of Government of Kenya. 3. In Brussels, Belgium and Paris, France, lawyers have been retained to help the government regain its properties that were illegally disposed of. 4. Where cases of fraud were uncovered, among the results of the Inspections in the Japan, Nigeria and N"Zerekore, they have been turned over to the Anti Corruption Commission and the Ministry of Justice for appropriate action. 5. In addition, new financial manuals for reporting were prepared for the missions and the Home Office effective March 2009, while new regulations governing consular fees have also been put into effect. 11 SIGNATURES AND RATIFICATION OF INSTRUMENTS The Government of Liberia attended and participated in many conferences and meetings, resulting in the signing and Ratification of Protocols, Agreements and/or other Legal Instruments. (Universal Postal Union Protocol, General Regulation, Convention, Declarations, Constitutions, Rules of Procedure of Congresses, Postal Payment Services Agreement, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Additional Protocols to the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union, Parcel Post Regulations Final Protocol, and decisions other than those amending the Acts). SUMMIT OF MRU HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT The Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Mano River Union (MRU) Countries namely Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone was held in Monrovia on 15 May 2008. The sisterly Republic of Cote d" Ivoire, having been attending meetings of the Union as Observer since 2004, attended the Summit and acceded to the Union. The Summit was attended by H.E. Ernest Bai Koroma, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone; H.E. Lansana Kouyate, Prime Minister of the Republic of Guinea; H.E Laurent Dona Fologo, Chair of the Economic and Social Council of the Republic of Cote d"Ivoire; H.E Laurent Gbagbo; and H.E Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia who served as Chair and host of the summit. A subsequent mini Summit was held in December 2008 in Freetown, Sierra Leone. OPERATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE MINISTRY Chapter 20 of the New Executive Law, which created the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, authorizes it as the principle institution of the Government solely responsible for the formation and implementation of the foreign policy of the Government of Liberia under the direction and guidance of the President of Liberia. In this connection, the Ministry initiates actions to promote beneficial intercourse between Liberia and other nations of the international Community, protects the rights and interests of Liberia throughout the World and oversees the conduct of the Liberian Foreign Service Officers. To accomplish its tasks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs operates through two basic machineries, namely the Home or Central Office and the Foreign Service. 12 CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commonly referred to as the Home Office is the Administrative arm which oversees the functions of its Foreign Missions abroad and interacts with foreign Embassies Accredited near Monrovia. In the administrative hierarchy of the Ministry, the Minister, the Honourable Mrs. Olubanke King-Akerele, is the head supported by two principal deputies. The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. William V.S. Bull, who acts in her stead when she is out of the Country and the Deputy Minister for Administration, Hon. Johnson Gwaikolo, who is responsible for the administrative management of the Home Office and the logistical support to the Missions abroad. Other high level officials of the Ministry include: the Deputy Minister for Legal Affairs, Hon. (Counsellor) Krubo Kollie and the Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Hon. Commeny Wesseh who are assisted by Assistant Ministers and Directors of Bureaux. In all, there are 21 Offices and Bureaux within the Ministry including the Office of the Minister and her Deputies. An assessment of the Finance and Administration of the Ministry by consultants funded by UNDP was undertaken in early 2008. This led to the discovery of fraudulent acts. These in turn were reported to the Ministry of Justice and national Security Agency leading to dismissals of the comptroller and accountant and recall of other officers. The Liberian Foreign Service serves as the conduit of Liberia"s Foreign Policy and diplomatic relations with members of the International Community. It comprises resident missions with multi- accreditation functions to other Countries and International Organizations under the direct operational supervision of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs. CONSTRAINTS The inadequacy of the budgetary appropriation for the Ministry due to the limitations of the National Budget remains one of the two most serious constraints, the other being the need to enhance the human resource base of the Ministry. For the FY/2007/2008, the National Budget Committee approved only $6m for the operations of both the Home Office and its diplomatic missions abroad. This amount was distributed with approximately 76% for 13 Overseas Mission and 24% for the Home Office. This period is grossly insufficient for the requirements of the Ministry. The Printing Department of the Ministry, which is responsible to print all communications from the Foreign Ministry, especially Acts of Legislatures, Hand Bills, Executive Orders, Resolutions, Letters of Credence, Letters of Recall of Ambassadors or Foreign Service Officers have to be sent to local printers at exorbitant costs to the Ministry due to the lack of appropriate equipment and supplies. The Diplomatic Pouch System, which is the safest and most secured way of transmitting bulk mails or documents between Diplomatic and Consular Posts abroad and the Home Office, has not yet been reactivated. As a result, very important mail intended for the Home Office from our Embassies or vice versa do not get to the intended destinations on time and sometimes these sensitive mails are tampered with. The structural pillars of the Ministry in matters of Foreign Affairs comprise the following Bureaux and Departments: REGIONAL BUREAUX BUREAU OF AFRO ASIAN AFFAIRS The Bureau of Afro-Asian Affairs is charged with the responsibilities of monitoring and analyzing the political and economic developments in the regions of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and the Pacific as they relate to and affect Liberia, the sub-region and international organizations, and advises the Foreign Minister on these developments. It is headed by Assistant Minister, Hon. George G. Wisner, II and assisted by 17 members of staff. BUREAU OF EUROPEAN AFFAIRS This Bureau"s main task is to coordinate all aspects of Liberia-European relations within the Foreign Ministry and European Diplomatic Missions accredited near Monrovia, as well as between countries in Europe with which Liberia has Diplomatic, Commercial, Economic, and Cultural ties. The Assistant Minister, Hon. Simeon B. Cole, Jr. who heads the Bureau also has the responsibility to brief the Minister of Foreign Affairs periodically on developments relating to countries within Europe. In August 2008, the Government of 14 the Federal Republic of Germany hosted an Infrastructural Forum on Liberia of which an Infrastructural Fund was launched and Liberia"s PRS. LIBERIAN MISSIONS IN EUROPE Liberia continues to maintain Embassies in Germany, United Kingdom, France, Belgium and Italy with multiple accreditations. Worthy of note is the move of the Liberian Embassy from Bonn to Berlin (Germany) since the appointment of Ambassador Sedia Bangura to Germany. BUREAU OF AMERICAN AFFAIRS The Bureau of American Affairs, is headed by Ambassador Marcus M. Kofa as Assistant Minister. The Bureau is charged with the responsibility of implementing Government"s foreign policy as it relates to the geographical regions of North, Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. The Assistant Minister is assisted by a staff of nine. Other Visits from the United States to Liberia In addition to the earlier described visit of President Bush, during the year under review, other U.S. Congressional bi-partisan delegations visited Liberia from 29 June to 8 July 2008. The first of such delegations, which was headed by Honorable David Price (D-North Carolina) and comprised of nine members of the Congressional Democracy Assistance Commission of the U.S House of Representatives, conducted a training program in capacity building for members and staff of the Liberian Legislature in collaboration with the U.S. National Democratic Institute (NDI). The second U.S. delegation was led by Honorable Howard Berman (D-California), Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and reassured H.E. Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, that the United States will fulfil its commitment to Liberia"s recovery and development program. The delegation and the President met in an atmosphere of cordiality 15 and reviewed a wide-range of issues of common interests, including security in the country and the need to strengthen the National Police Force in order to provide a secured environment for investment. Specifically, the Liberian leader briefed the delegation on the ongoing efforts deployed by the Government towards its national development agenda, including the outcome of the Forum on Liberia"s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) held in Berlin, Germany, in August 2008, and called for the unwavering support of the United States. During the stay of the U.S. lawmakers in the country, they toured the offices and facilities of the Liberian Electricity Corporation (LTC). They also met with the Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy and held discussion on the future of power supply in Liberia. Liberia-Cuba Relations The Second Meeting of the Liberia-Cuba Joint Commission for Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation took place in Monrovia from 9-10 April 2008, as agreed by the two parties. At the opening ceremony, the Heads of the Liberian and Cuban delegations emphasized the bond of friendship and cooperation existing between the two countries and expressed the desire to strengthen these relations for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries. The delegations of both countries were led by the Foreign Minister Hon. Mrs. Olubanke King-Akerele and First Deputy Minister of Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation, Mr/ Ramon Ripoli Diaz, respectively. The two delegations identified and discussed critical areas of cooperation relating especially to Liberia"s development agenda for which the Cuban side agreed to provide assistance in the following areas: In the area of health, the Cuban government agreed to provide fifty Doctors. In the area of Human Resource capacity building, Cuba agreed to train teachers for the Liberian Educational System and announced the provision of scholarships in the following areas: six (6) for sports, three (3) for Health Technology, and one (1) each for Geography, Mathematics, Civil Engineering and Agronomy, etc. 16 Cuba also agreed to assist in other areas in which the National Archives was included for rehabilitation. The Third Session of the Joint Commission of the two countries is expected to take place in Havana, Cuba in 2009. LOOKING AHEAD In order to support and strengthen the Bureau of American Affairs to cope with its mandate, the following recommendations were submitted for the Ministry"s favourable consideration: That Government should take urgent steps to diplomatic presence in South America preferably in Brazil or Venezuela in the near future. As a country emerging from conflict, Government should engage the countries of the Latin American region in fostering trade and cooperation. Need for capacitate the Bureau with staff and equipment. OPERATIONAL BUREAUX THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND ECONOMIC INTEGRATION The Department of International Cooperation and Economic Integration is responsible to coordinate the affairs of the Bureau of International Cooperation and the Bureau of International Organizations. The two bureaux are supervised respectively by Assistant Ministers who report directly to the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation and Economic Integration. The Bureau of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs is headed by Hon. B. Elias Shoniyin while the Bureau of International Organizations is headed by Hon. J. Alphonso Socrates Nimene. At this reporting period the post of Deputy Minister who supervises and monitors the work of the two Assistant Ministers is vacant following the appointment of the incumbent, Hon. Commeny Wesseh as Ambassador to the United Nations in New York. The Office of the Deputy Minister for International Cooperation and Economic Integration is responsible to coordinate all matters of Cooperation between Liberia and friendly governments, international organizations regional institutions and organizes bilateral and multilateral conferences. ACTIVITIES 17 During the period under review, the staff of the Department attended various meetings, Conferences, Workshops and seminars on behalf of the Ministry in and out of Liberia. They were also responsible, with the Bureau of Legal Affairs for finalization of several bilateral cooperation agreements. COOPERATION WITH JAPAN At the invitation of the Japanese Foreign Ministry, Deputy Minister Wesseh travelled to Japan in preparation for President Johnson Sirleaf"s participation in TICAD IV 2008 which took place in Yokohama, Japan in May 2008 to discuss Japan"s role in the development of Africa. On the fringes of the Conference, the Liberian Leader and the Japanese Prime Minister held bilateral talks culminating in the approval of Ɏ 780 million about $7.1m in Food Aid (rice) for Liberia. During the period under review, the Government of Japan through its International Cooperation Agency (JICA) established a temporary Office in Monrovia to coordinate its development assistance to Liberia. During the period under review, the Government of Japan agreed to assist Liberia in a number of areas including the following: Provide assistance for the JFK Memorial Medical Center to consist of experts for the Maintenance of Medical Equipment for the Liberian-Japanese Friendship Maternity Hospital. Aid in Grant to be made available for the Rehabilitation of the Liberian-Japanese Friendship Maternity Hospital. Provide Grant Aid for the Urgent Rehabilitation of Roads in Central Monrovia and develop a Master Plan for Urban Facilities, Restoration and Improvement. During the year 2008, Japan offered 22 short-term training courses to Liberia in the following areas: health, education, road management, agriculture, governance and transportation. LIBYAN- LIBERIAN COOPERATION:- 18 On September 8, 2008, the Government of Liberia received a consignment of eight (8) tractors and operators/trainers from the Great Socialist People"s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Republic. They were received on arrival at the Roberts International Airport by officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture on behalf of the Government of Liberia. The donation is the result of bilateral discussions between the leaders of both countries on various occasions including the visit by Her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to Libya in August 2008. A more detailed presentation is contained from pages 65-68 of this report. MEETING AND CONFERENCES ATTENDED: Liberia participated in the 12th Session of the Intergovernmental Follow-up and Coordination Committee on Economic Cooperation with the Group of 77 plus China which was held in Yamoussoukro, Cote d"Ivoire from 10th -13th June 2008. The Liberian delegation by Ambassador Vivian T. Wreh, the Liberian Ambassador to la Cote d"Ivoire. The conference was aimed at reviewing the progress made towards the implementation of the Doha Plan of Action in the area of South and South Cooperation adopted in June 2005. Mano River Union (MRU) The Mano River Union which is an international association established between Liberia and Sierra Leone in 1973 was organized to foster economic cooperation among Member States. Guinea joined the Union in 1980 during the Administration of the late Sekou Toure, President of the Republic of Guinea. This Union, whose current chair is President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Mr. Aliou Diallo of Guinea as Secretary General, has brought the two nations closer together once again after a period replete with conflicts and distrust. In May 2008, Cote D"Ivoire joined the Union subsequently in December a special MRU Summit was held in Freetown, Sierra Leone. MANO RIVER UNION ACTIVITIES IN 2008 The Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Mano River Union (MRU) countries: Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone was held in Monrovia on the 15 of May 2008. The Republic of Cote d" Ivoire which had attended MRU meetings as an Observer since 2004, acceded to the Union at this Summit. During the Summit the Leaders expressed delight over 19 the progressive return of peace, security and stability in the MRU basin and agreed to direct their efforts towards promoting socio-economic development and integration in the Region. The Summit approved the implementation and the development of the several programs : The Mano River Union secretariat under its new Secretary General has mapped out a new path for the future of the Union. Paramount among the aims of the Organization is the Financing of its activities which according to the Secretary General is at the moment comes from contributions by Member States. Proper Staffing is another aim of the new Administration among other operational issues. During the period in review, a change in the leadership of the Mano River Union took place. The former Secretary General, Mr. Aliou M. Diallo, a Guinean national, was replaced with Mr. Abraham Boure, another Guinean. The Makona River Basin The Makona River through the Republics of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone respectively and its surrounding is inhabited by the Kissi ethnic people of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. The Kissi people of the three nations know no territorial boundaries because, irrespective of their nationalities, they feel that they are one people and inseparable. This ethnic group has drawn the interests of Liberia and Sierra Leone over the territorial dispute currently existing between guinea and Sierra Leone by virtue of the occupation of the Town of Yenga across the river in sierra Leone whose government claims that Guinea has refused to vacate the Town that Guinea used it as its headquarters when Guinean soldiers went to assist the Sierra Leone Government to dust out the Rebels of RUF while guinea contends that the Town of Yenga falls within its territory as a result of the French and British Colonial Division of Guinea and sierra Leone in 1912. Negotiations are taking place quietly behind the scenes among the three countries bordering the River with the view of resolving the problem. Outcomes Among the outcomes of the September meeting were decisions regarding security related issues, namely 20 Establish Joint Border Security and Confidence-building Units (JBSCBU) in all four MRU Member States as a matter of urgency. In this regard cooperation should be enhanced at the borders of Member States in the area of Defense, Immigration, Intelligence, Custom and other National Security related issues; Ensure that the Joint Technical Committee of the MRU meets late January 2009 to discuss and review security related matters as they affect individual member states and the collective membership of the Union. Further to this, a review will be made of the Joint Security Committee to consider prospects for any relevant changes that maybe required in view of present realities; Ensure that the Joint Security Committee of the MRU meet late March 2009 to receive the results of the Joint Technical Committee Meetings; Heads of agencies of all sister states should endeavour to share intelligence, analyze, investigate and review cases emanating from the borders of the various States" borders, including other national security threats; Create a security unit within the MRU Secretariat to which each Member State would attach an officer to the Secretariat Headquarters; Strengthen military-to-military and Para military cooperation within the sub-region including training, programs of mutual benefits; Include the Ministers of Agriculture of Member States in the Joint Security Committee as an indication of the importance of food security being a national security issue that must be taken into account; Encourage the renaming of the Makona River Union in order to avoid confusion with the Mano River Union. This was subsequently renamed Makona river organization; Positive experiences from the Guinea/Sierra Leone, Liberia/Sierra Leone, Liberia/Cote d"Ivoire will be used collaboratively in the security meetings. However, due to the coup in December 2008, and the expulsion of Guinea from both ECOWAS and AU, the follow-up actions in all the above had to be put on hold. 21 BUREAU OF LEGAL AFFIARS The Bureau of Legal Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during the period under review, continued to function and operate as the Legal Arm of the Ministry. It worked in close consultation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Senior and General staff in providing legal advice on matters relating to National and International Laws and the implementation of the Foreign Policy of the Republic of Liberia. The Bureau is also clothed with the authority to draft, negotiate, prepare and submit Legal Instruments for ratification to the National legislature through the Office of the President. In addition to its legal functions, the Bureau of Legal Affairs also registers/ or files Articles of Incorporation (Corporate documents) both for profit and non-for-profit entities, authenticating/legalizing of public documents, dispute settlements involving Foreign Diplomatic Missions accredited to Liberia and Liberian citizens, residents or Liberian Corporate entities. The Bureau also coordinates and supervises the activities of the bureau of Archives, Passports and Visas and the department of Publications, in keeping with the organizational structure of the Ministry. In addition to it , the bureau is responsible for the drafting of Joint Communiqués and Agreements during visits paid by Presidents and other dignitaries to Liberia or visits of the President of Liberia and or Liberian dignitaries paid to other Foreign Countries. ADMINISTRATION The Bureau of Legal Affairs, performed its duties under the leadership of Cllr. Krubo B. Kollie. She is assisted by three Legal Counsels and eleven (11) support and clerical staff. Corporate Matters The Bureau of Legal Affairs reported that during the period under review, the number of domestic and foreign corporations that filed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs generated a total amount of Forty-three thousand, five hundred and ninety dollars ($43,590) paid directly to the Ministry of Finance revenue section. CONVENTIONS, TREATIES AND AGREEMENTS 22 During the period under review, the Government of Liberia, attended and participated in many Conferences and Meetings which resulted in the Signing and Ratifications of Protocols, Agreements and/or other Legal Instruments. The Bureau of Legal Affairs through the Minister"s Office submitted to the President of the Republic of Liberia for possible submission to the National Legislature for its advice and consent prior to the ratification of the following: Multilateral Conventions on Protocols And Amendments Submitted For Ratification The Universal Postal Union Protocol, General Regulation, Conventions, Declaration of the Constitution, Rules of Procedure of Congresses, Postal Payment Services Agreement, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth. They also include the Protocols to the Constitution of the Universal Postal Union, Parcel Post Regulations Final Protocol, and decisions other than those amending the Acts. Other Conventions include the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971 and the African Union Commission Treaty Convention for the Establishment of the African Center for Fertilizer Development, and the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorisms. Int'l Instrument Ratified by the Liberian Government The Government of Liberia, successfully ratified the following instruments: the African Charter on Human and People"s Rights; the Rights of Women in Africa, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the Basic Documents of the Parliament which Contain (1) Constitutive Act of the African Union; (2) Protocol on Amendments to the Constitutive Act of the African Union; (3) Protocol on the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community Relating to the Pan-African Parliament, and (4) Rules of Procedure of the Pan-African Parliament. Other international instruments ratified by the Government were the United Nations Conventions Against Corruption; African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating corruption; The W. H. O. Framework Convention on Tobacco Control; The United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea of 1987; The MLC Maritime Labour Convention 2006. 23 The International Convention for the Safety of Fishing Vessels; The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast water and sediments, Water and Sediments, 2004. Articles 1-22; The Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Co- Operation to Pollution Incidents by Hazardous and Noxious substances, 2000, and The International Convention on Civil Liability for Bunker Oil Pollution Damage, 2001. Agreements Concluded Between The Republic Of Liberia And Other Countries Pending Ratification. 1. Agreement between the Government of the Kingdom of Denmark and the Government of the Republic of Liberia on the Consolidation of Debt of the Republic of Liberia to the Kingdom of Denmark. 2. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Liberia and the Government of the United States of America Concerning the Program of the Peace Corps in the Republic of Liberia. 3. Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Liberia and the Government of the Republic of Benin on Economic, Commercial, Scientific, Technical, Educational and cultural Cooperation; 4. Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Commission of Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Liberia and the Government of the Republic of Benin. 5. Framework Agreement on Economic, Technical, Scientific, Cultural and Tourism Corporation between the Government of the Republic of Liberia and the Government of the Republic of Namibia. 6. Agreement on economic, Scientific, Technical, and Culture Corporation between the Government of the Republic of Liberia and the Government of the Republic of Benin; 7. Protocol of the (2) Section of the Inter Governmental Commission for the Scientific- Technical and Economic Corporation between the Government of the Republic of Cuba and the Government of the Republic of Liberia, and, 24 8. Agreement on the re-establishment of the American International School of Monrovia between the Government of the Republic of Liberia and the Government of the United States of America. Multilateral Conventions And Protocols For Ratification The multilateral conventions and protocols for ratification include the Protocol of 1996 Amending the Convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims, 1976; IMO International Convention on Salvage, 1989; International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling System on Ships, and the 2001 Bamako Convention on the Ban on the Import into Africa and the Control of Trans-boundary Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes within Africa. All the above mentioned are expected to be ratified in the coming year. Treaty Amongst the treaties ratified by the Government of Liberia during the period under review, is the African Nuclear-Weapon-Free zone Treaty (The Treaty of Pelindaba) Egypt. Protocol During the period under review, the Government ratified several protocols, these included the Protocol of the Court of Justice of the African Union, Protocol on the African Charter on Human and People"s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the Protocol to the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community Relating to the Pan- African Parliament, Site, and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People"s Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and People"s Rights. SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES The Bureau of Legal Affairs as part of its function is charged with the responsibility to handle cases or complains concerning labour disputes between International Organizations, 25 Diplomatic Missions accredited to Liberia and Liberian Citizens, Residents or Corporate entities. In this light, during the reporting period the Bureau received and reviewed cases involving alleged wrongful dismissals. BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS I. International Seminars/Conferences This Bureau, through its head, Hon. B. Elias Shoniyin, Assistant Minister of the Bureau of International Cooperation and Economic Affairs, participated in several seminars/conferences during the period under review. a). Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) Ministerial Preparatory Meeting in Libreville, Gabon 20-21 March, 2008 b). African Conference on Cluster Munitions held in Livingstone, Zambia, March 31- April 1, 2008. c). African Regional Conference on the Convention on Cluster Munitions; (The Way forward") September 29th -30th 2008, Kampala, Uganda d. The 63rd Session of the United Nations General Assembly held in New York 17th November to 21st, 2008. e). African and the European Union Executive Training Program for Diplomats and Officials December 1-19, 2008, Austria. f). Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Band Treaty Organization (CTBTO), Vienna, Austria II. Seminars/Workshops Participation. a). The African Peace Building Coordination Programme Workshop held 8-10 October 2008 at the Mamba Point Hotel, Monrovia. b). The Rotterdam Convention held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, November 6-8, 2008 III Personnel 26 Presently, the Bureau"s capacity is put at ten (10) which include the Assistant Minister, Honorable B. Elias Shoniyin, three Desk Officers, two Research Analysts, one Research Assistant, one volunteer acting Secretary, and. one File Clerk. Taking into consideration the volume of work within the Bureau, the need to employ a competent Secretary on a full time basis is necessary and urgent, to enhance the productivity of the Bureau. During the reporting period, Ms. Tody T. Wallace, who was serving as Secretary traveled to Ethiopia for studies and Ms. Alice Browne, Senior Desk Officer, was retired after serving the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for twenty-five years; moreover, Mr. Amjad Nyei, a File Clerk traveled to China for studies on a Government Scholarship. Mr. Vamumya Nyei Abdulai was transferred to the Bureau from the office of the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Johnnie F. Fallah was also transferred from the Bureau of Protocol. BUREAU OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS The Bureau of International Organizations Affairs is an important component of the Department of International Cooperation and Economic Integration, which serves as chief liaison between the Government of the Republic of Liberia and International Organizations. Additionally, the Bureau handles and coordinates all activities relating to foreign and local conferences, maintains all schedules of the approved lists of meetings/conferences at which Government is to be represented and advises functionaries of Government in order to ensure timely preparation and effective participation in such conferences. Since the dismissal of Honorable J. Ambrose Gbormie as Assistant Minister, witnessed the appointment of Mr. Jloati Alphonso Socrates Nimene as its new Head. As a means of strengthening the Human Resource Capacity of the Bureau, three employment were effected with the assignment of Mr. Arthur Robinson, Ms. Cynthia Musa and Edison Yarkpawolo as Research Analyst, Research Assistant and Office Assistant respectively. The Bureau also witnessed the transfer of Mr. Jimmy White from Bureau of Publication as Research Assistant. At present, the personnel strength of the Bureau is put at ten (10). 27 Challenges The Bureau of International Organizations Affairs has an enormous task to perform in the promotion of Government"s Foreign Policy. This reporting period witnessed a complete downward trend due to the numerous problems the Bureau has experienced. Achievements During this reporting period, the Government of Liberia received requests from seventy nine (79) friendly Governments for support to candidatures to various posts in the United Nations System as well as other International Organizations. The Bureau honourably discharged its duties by adequately responding to the below requests in accordance with government"s position. The attaché statistics show the various positions. In the future, efforts are underway to submit Liberian candidatures for international posts. THE GABRIEL L. DENNIS FOREIGN SERVICE INSTITUION The Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute was established in 1951 by an Act of the National Legislature of Liberia; as the only national and professional diplomatic training facility and research unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since its establishment, the Institute has made significant contributions in line with its mandate. This is reflected and demonstrated in its Academic and Professional Training Programs as well as in the excellent performance of its graduates. The programs of the Institute are geared at providing the appropriate intellectual orientation for Liberia"s Foreign Service Officers and Diplomats as well as strengthening their intellectual capacity to gain a penetrating insight and understanding of contemporary International development, including the socio-economic and political reality of Liberia, Africa and the World at large. However, since the demise of the Former Director-General on July 2, 2007, no appointment has been made of a Director-General or Acting Director-General, thereby leaving the Institute without a substantive Head. Rather, a committee under the supervisor of the Deputy Minister for foreign Affairs, Amb. William V. S. Bull and Amb. At-large 28 Carlton Karpeh supervise the FSI. In this light, Mr. Varney Carmon serves as its Coordinator. TRAINING OPPORTUNITY Mr. Philip F. Johnson, the Senior Principal Research Analyst of the Institute benefited from two training programs consisting of Foreign Diplomatic Policy in Malaysia and an African Diplomat Training Course at the German Diplomatic Institute in Germany. A specialized Training Workshop in Protocol and Etiquette was organized jointly by the Gabriel L. Dennis Foreign Service Institute, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Liberian Institute of Protocol and Etiquette in Monrovia, Liberia. The Workshop lasted for five days and forty five participants were awarded certificates of Participation on November 1, 2008. A second workshop in Development Diplomacy and Civilian Peace Keeping took place in November for middle level diplomats and government officials at the Institute in Monrovia in collaboration with Kings" College, London. Yet another training of 25 officers was sent to Egypt in late 2008 with technical assistance of the Egyptian Technical Fund of that country"s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNDP. LOOKING AHEAD: The Institute"s Library, computer and Language Laboratory and modern teaching tools such as Laptop and Projectors for Power Point Presentations are in need of improvement or up- grading in order to dispense the appropriate training for Liberia"s future diplomats. Technical assistance is being sought from Partners. Meanwhile, a reassessment of the Institute programme was underway in 2008 during which period the nine months Basic Certificate was put in hold. BUREAU OF PROTOCOL During the period under review, the Protocol Bureau maintained close and harmonious relations with all Diplomatic and Consular Missions, Resident and Non-Resident in Monrovia as well as with the International Organizations. The Bureau is headed by Ambassador Edward L. Dunn, Jr. who is also the Chief of Protocol, Republic of Liberia, 29 while Mrs. Ethel Holt-Toles is Acting Senior Deputy Chief of Protocol, Republic of Liberia. Ambassador Emmett Kennedy is the chief of Protocol of the Executive Mansion. During this period, Mr. Spencer M. Dunn, a graduate of the Foreign Service Institute was employed into the Bureau as Deputy Chief of Protocol and Ms. Antoinette M. Wolo as Protocol Officer. Mr. Rancy S. V. Torkpa, Deputy Chief of Protocol and Protocol Officer to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Momo S. Nyandibo, Protocol Officer were sent for Diplomatic Training from April 14 to July 14, 2008, at the China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing, People"s Republic of China. DEPARTURE OF FOREIGN AMBASSADORS During the year under review, the following Ambassadors accredited near Monrovia ended their tour of duty in Liberia. 1. His Excellency Donald E. Booth - Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the United States of America – July 11, 2008 2. His Excellency Eineje E. Onobu - Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria – August 8, 2007 3. His Excellency Alan Doss - Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations and Coordinator of United Nations operation in Liberia December 17, 2007 3. His Excellency Mohamed Omar Talbi - Secretary of the Great Socialist People"s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya December 31, 2007 4. His Excellency Patrick James Foyah - Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone – April 11, 2008 As a gesture of appreciation for the services rendered by the departing ambassadors" resident in Monrovia, the Minister of Foreign Affairs tendered farewell receptions in their honour, while the President conferred upon them the distinction of Knight Great Band in the Humane Order of African Redemption. PRESIDENTIAL VISITS ABROAD 30 The President of the Republic of Liberia, Her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf during the year under review, made several official travels abroad, in the interest of the Country. On January 18, 2009, the Liberian President made an official visit to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso to attend the ECOWAS Summit, while On February 1, 2008, she paid an official business visit to Dakar, Senegal. On April 1, 2008, the President again made another official business visit to neighbouring Cote D"Ivoire. The President on April 8, 2008, attended the Women Health Conference in London, England and on April 15, 2008, paid an official visit to Denmark to attend the Economic empowerment of Women Conference, while on April 19, 2008, the Chief Executive visited the United States of America for an Official Business trip. Besides, President Johnson Sirleaf on May 12, 2008, paid an official visit to Niger at attend an International Women Conference, while on May 23, 2008, she headed a high powered Liberian Government delegation to an International Conference on Africa Development in Tokyo, Japan, and on June 1, 2008, made an official visit to the United States of America to attend a Commencement Ceremony. Also on June 17, 2008, the Liberian President paid an official visit to Cotonou, Benin to participate in the CEN-SAD Conference and on June 23, 2008, she headed a high powered government delegation to Abuja, Nigeria to attend ECOWAS Summit and on June 24-27, 2008, Madam Johnson Sirleaf again headed a high powered Liberian Government delegation to the Partnership Forum held in Berlin, Germany, where the Government"s Poverty Reduction Strategy was presented. During the year under review, President Johnson Sirleaf on June 30, 2008, made an official visit to Cairo, Egypt to attend the African Union Summit, while from 2-8 July, 2008, the she paid a personal visit to Hawaii, USA, and between July 10-13, 2008, Madam Johnson Sirleaf made an official visit to South Africa to attend the former President Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture. On August 18, 2008, the President paid an official visit to Conakry, Guinea to attend that sisterly Republic Independence Anniversary, while on August 21, 2008, she made an official visit to Tripoli, Libya for an official business. 31 Also on September 4, 2008, President Sirleaf paid an official business visit to Accra, Ghana, while in September 2008, President Johnson Sirleaf headed a high powered Liberian Government delegation to the United Nations General Assembly. From November 1-8, 2008, President Johnson Sirleaf made another official visit to Berlin, Germany to attend the German African Forum, while the President attended the Mano River Union Summit hosted by Freetown, Sierra Leone from November 11-12, 2008. The President also made several officials visits abroad. VIP VISITS TO LIBERIA During this same period, several foreign dignitaries visited Liberia to participate in important programmes and to consult with the Liberian leader. They were as follows: 1. January 13-15, 2008: Preparatory Delegation for the hosting of the Colloquium on Women"s Empowerment, Leadership Development International Peace and Security in March 2009. 2. On February 21, 2008: the President of the United States of America, His Excellency Mr. George W. Bush and Mrs. Bush paid a one day state visit to the Republic of Liberia. 3. From March 3-5, 2008: the Advisory Board for Irish Aid, headed by the former Foreign Minister of Ireland, Mr. David Andrews, accompanied by three other board members (Fr. Gerry O"Connor, Mr. Larry O"Loughlin and Mr. Eamonn Mechan ), visited Liberia to prepare a formal opinion for the Irish Government on Liberia"s development needs. 4. April 19-23, 2008: the Africa China Development Fund Delegation. 5. April 21-22, 2008: a two-day visit of a senior level delegation headed by the United Nations Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki Moon. 6. May 1, 2008: Mr. Edward Neville Isdell, Chairman of Coca-cola Worldwide and Liberia"s Mr. Alex Cummings, President and Chief Operating Officer, and Senior Executives of the Company. The delegation also visited the Office of the Honourable Joseph Boakai, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia. 32 7. May 5-11, 2008: five men delegation from the Republic of South Africa, headed by Ambassador GD Gwadiso of the Department of Foreign Affairs in preparation for the opening of an Embassy in Liberia. 8. May 27-29, 2008: Ms. Kyung-Wha Kang, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights. 9. From June 22-25, 2008: Mr. Neil Bush and Chinese Delegation. 10. On July 7, 2008: Congressional Delegation (CODEL) from the United States of America headed by Congressman Howard Berman. 11. DIPLOMATIC COURTESIES Also during the period under review, the Office of the Chief of protocol, R.L. assisted in facilitating the issuance of the following to the diplomatic Corps and International Organizations accredited near this Monrovia: Multiple Entry Visas – 182 Diplomatic License Plates – 14 United Nations License plates – 28 Diplomatic Identification Cards – 64 Duty Free and Tax Exempt – 510 Aircraft and Naval Clearances - 45 OFFICE OF THE ASSISTANT MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS Pursuant to Section 20.7 of Chapter 20 of the New Executive Law establishing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the duties of the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs is to assist both the Minister and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs in providing administrative services for the Ministry. Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Robert Y. Lormia was member of the Liberian delegation that attended the following Summits and Meetings: a) 34th Summit of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, January , 2008 33 b) 35th Summit of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, Abuja, Nigeria, December , 2008 c) 23rd Meeting of Mediation and Security Council of ECOWAS, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, January, 2008 d) Ministerial Conference of CEN-SAD on the Great Green Wall and Small Dams, Saly-Portudal, Senegal, February 12-13, 2008 e) 25th Meeting of the Mediation and Security Council of ECOWAS, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, December, 2008 f) Workshop on Negotiation and Mediation Skills for Delegates of Member States of ECOWAS, Accra, Ghana, March, 2008 BUREAU OF PERSONNEL The Division of Personnel is central to the Administration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Division implements, regulates and enforces the Ministry"s administrative policy with respect to the work force by ensuring personnel welfare, guidance, punctuality, tidiness and discipline. The Division liaises between employees and their respective supervisors to enhance productivity and efficiency. The functions and responsibilities of the Division of Personnel also include the evaluation and recruitment of qualified personnel and the processing of employment documents through the relevant agencies. It coordinates the Ministry"s activities with respect to staff development with the Institute of Public Administration and the Civil Service Agency. It ensures training of manpower and develops the skills of employees to render the Ministry clerical and professional services. The Division of Personnel is formally called the Division of Human Resource Management/ Central Administration The Division of Personnel is headed by the Principal Director of Personnel, Mr. James S. Kangba Sr. and assisted by a staff of fourteen (14). In an effort to accomplish these important tasks as mentioned above, the Division closely works in consultation with the Assistant Minister for Administration under the direct supervision of the Deputy Minister for Administration. 34 Achievements Employment records and files of employees were updated. During the process, employees were sent to the Civil Service Agency to qualify themselves for the current positions they occupy. Prepared project proposal for the creation of an Electronic Database Management System for the management of personnel employment records both at the Home Office and the Missions abroad to be operated by the Division of Personnel / Central Administration, Ministry of Foreign Affairs in conformity with the approved salary scale formulated by the Civil Service Agency and the Annual Budget committee for all civil servants in the country. TRAINING & HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT In an effort to effectively and efficiently carry out the mandates and functions of the Ministry, five (5) employees were awarded Foreign Scholarships to study in the People"s Republic of China for two to four years. Those concerned are: Name Area of Assignment 1. Mr. Moibah K. Johnson Desk Officer Afro Asian Affairs 2. Mr. Isreal Davis Deputy Director Passport & Visas 3. Mr. Jimmy G. Barchue Research Analyst Afro Asian Affairs 4. Ms. Bendu Sando File Clerk Financial Affairs 5. Mr. Amjad M. Nyei File Clerk Int"l Cooperation Also during the period under review, there were other employees who benefited from short term training and seminars abroad. Those employees who benefited are: Name Area of Assignment 1. Mr. David C. Tarley- Desk Officer Int"l Cooperation 2. Mr. Philip Johnson- Principal Analyst- Foreign Service Institute 3. Ms. Musu Randolph- Research Analyst - Afro Asian Affairs 4. Mr. Dennis Jallah - Research Analyst - Afro Asian Affairs 5. Mr. Momo Nyandibo Protocol Officer - Department of Protocol 6. Mr. Rancy Tokpah - Protocol Officer - Department of Protocol 35 7. Ms. Vera Swengbe - Research Analyst - Deputy Minister of F. A. 8. Ms Anitta Freeman - Director - Procurement & Supplies Under the HR training program, the Government of the Republic of France, awarded ten local scholarships to employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study the French Language at the Alliance Française Institute in Sinkor, Monrovia. Mail Office The Division is also charged with the responsibility of regulating the flow of communications in and out of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Division issues Letter Reference Numbers to all offices within the Ministry for easy tracking of communication and control. This responsibility has not been effective due to the lack of coordination couple with the facility now available due to new communication technology such as the e-mail, faxes, etc. During the Period under review, the National Social Security & Welfare Corporation (NASSCORP), launched a vigorous exercise to update the profile of employees" registered under their schemes. The Division of Personnel/Central Administration"s participation in the documentation process of Foreign Service Officers should facilitate the collection of accurate and updated information relative to Social Security, Retirement, Death, and Insurance benefits. INSURANCE Employees of the Ministry of foreign Affairs are covered under a Group Insurance Policy with the Insurance Company of Africa (ICA). This agreement which covers medical and death benefits was entered into since February 2004 but not without challenges. Complaints by staff in late 2008 have led to an investigation of this course, results of which expected in the new year. BUREAU OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS I. FUNCTIONS 36 The Bureau of Public Affairs which reports directly to the Minister of Foreign Affairs is headed by an Assistant Minister who carries the title Assistant Minister for Public Affairs. The Bureau is the press and information arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and is charged with the responsibility of stimulating, and maintaining public support for the country"s Foreign Policy orientation and objectives. The Assistant Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Public Affairs is the Official Spokesperson of Foreign Affairs. Besides being the Information Arm and Official Spokesperson of the Ministry, the Bureau of Public Affairs has a responsibility of generating public interest and maintaining public support for Liberia"s Foreign Policy Initiative and Activities. It does this through regular Press Releases to the Media about Liberia"s Foreign Policy Objectives, and arranges press briefings, conduct press interviews on foreign policy formulation and implementation. The Bureau attaches importance to image-building, adequate dissemination of information from the Home Office and Diplomatic Missions to the public via the local media and international media Regularly, the Bureau issued press releases and other documents to the media on public holidays, national holidays and other occasions designated and set aside each year by Regional and International Organizations of which Liberia is a member for observance by all members" states. As part of its mandate, the Bureau of Public Affairs responsibly provides regular briefings on developments taking place at in the country to all of Liberia"s Diplomatic and Consular Missions Abroad and similarly, releases development from within the country to Liberia"s diplomatic missions abroad. These briefings essentially include the current political situation in the country, happening at Government ministries and agencies, presidential statement and pronouncement, as well as developments on reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reconciliation, important foreign policy pronouncements and foreign visits by the president, foreign Minister and other key government officials; important social and economic policy strategies and statements as pronounced by the government of Liberia, and land mark events. 37 Additionally, the Bureau responds to requests for specific information be it of a cultural, economic, political, and social nature by Liberia"s Foreign Missions abroad or other foreign sources. This specific information may concern Liberia"s Investments Policy or Investment Potentials. Frequently, when these requests are made the Bureau would gather the request of information or data from the appropriate and relevant Ministers and Agencies of government for transmission to the destination of request. The Assistant Minister of Public Affairs on an ad-hoc basis, is sometimes appointed to chair the Ministry"s Annual Report Committee for the preparation of its Annual Report, prepare joint communiqués and joint press releases in conjunction with the Bureau of Legal Affairs and performs any other assignments as the Foreign Minister may designate to him. IMPLEMENTATION: During the period under review, the Bureau carried out its functional responsibilities through the issuing of Press Releases on both the print and electronic media. The Releases discussed wide range of issues including out comes of meetings of the Foreign Minister with Foreign dignitaries, visits of Foreign Diplomats and Official meeting, proclamations by the President concerning public holidays and special days set aside for observance by member states of International and regional organizations of which Liberia is a member, the Bureau also issued releases an information from the Foreign Missions abroad which the public deserves to know. ACHIEVEMENTS The Bureau of Pubic Affairs, under the leadership of Assistant Foreign Minister for Public Affairs, Hon. Josephus Gbala-Hinnih Moses Gray, the Bureau can boast of numerous achievements. These successes wouldn"t have taken place without the collective inputs and contributions of the staff members especially the Senior Public Relation Officer, Senior Press Officer and Secretary, and to mention the office assistant. The Ministry"s website- www.mofa.gov.lr underwent considerable improvement following the appointment of Assistant Josephus M. Gray in Mid 2008. 38 The site is regularly updated with information and is widely search by people both in and out of the country, as it is the only mean of knowing new development on the country"s foreign policy. The Assistant Minister was able to revamp of the Public Affairs Bureau to enhance productivity and efficiency and bring about new dynamism, drafted several projects aimed at seeking assistance for the Bureau, instituted evaluation of the staff"s performance vis-à-vis efficiency and response to duty; identify shortcomings and help to them, seek the staff interests, efficiently run the Bureau and champion unity among the staff members. Each of the staff members carry out their assigned mandates and functions as stipulated in the term of reference. The staffers conducted their selves on the job and professionally implemented job given them. Breaks the communication gap that long serves as an obstacle for proper dissemination of important information from the Ministry to the public and was able to introduce new dynamism by regularly reviews of the local newspapers and share the synopsis and analysis from the local press with other officials of the Ministry and diplomatic mission abroad. THE BUREAU OF INTERNAL AUDIT The internal audit bureau which falls directly under the Minister of Foreign Affairs, monitors the financial transactions of all bureaux in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It educates and advises on matters relating to the accounts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Internal Auditor analyses account payable to vendors and Foreign missions, verifies payments to ascertain their validities. The Internal Auditor periodically conducts the audit of the following Offices: a. Financial Affairs Bureau b. Passports and Visas c. Procurement d. Foreign Service Institute e. Personnel/Central Administration f. The Archives g. Legal Affairs 39 h. Foreign Missions and Consulates CHALLENGES During the year under review, the Bureau was able to perform its statutory mandate by instituting some audits. It is important that the following recommendations be implemented, to enhance transparency. Revenue generated from all categories of passport management must be deposited directly into Government"s Account; An account officer should be assigned to the Passport Bureau for the day to day recording of passport activities which will be monitored by the Internal Auditing Bureau for verifications. The above mentioned are to be addressed in the upcoming year. Plans also call for the merger of this Bureau with that of the Inspectorate General in the 2009; BUREAU OF ARCHIVES The Bureau of Achieves, Patents and Trademarks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is charged with the responsibility of preserving, salvaging and storing of all probated documents such as Land Deeds, Lease Agreements, Power of Attorney, Articles of Incorporation, Last Wills and Testaments, etc. The Bureau also registers and renews intellectual property documents such as Patents and Trademarks. In addition, the Bureau prepares certified copies of and authenticates all probated documents in its depository. These certified copies, some of which are screened and verified by the Ministry of Land, Mines and Energy are thoroughly examined by the Director of Archives, attested to by the Deputy Minister/Legal Affairs and approved by the Minister of Foreign Affairs or his/her designate before they are issued to the public. The Bureau of Archives issues to intellectual property owners" certificates of registration of trademarks, renewal of trademarks, change of name and/or address, assignments etc., as well as patents granted. The Bureau is led by Mr. Jackson Purser as Director with a support staff of sixteen members of staff. Complaints have led to requests by the Ministry for investigations by the Ministry of National Security in late 2008. 40 Relationship with International Organizations During the period under review, Mr. Robert Y. Mezzeh, Deputy Director of Archives attended the meeting of the working group on the Development of the Madrid System covering the International Registration of Marks, in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 5-9, 2008. Mr. Mezzeh also attended the 45th series of assemblies of member States of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in Geneva, Switzerland from September 24-30, 2008. Revenue Collection During the year under review, the activities of the Bureau"s intellectual property component generated and remitted to Government the total sum of Three Thousand two hundred eighty-five dollars (US$3,285.00). Personnel Movement within the Bureau registered the transfer of Ms. Rosetta S. Sellu from the Bureau of Security to the Bureau of Archives during the period under review, as secretary by Central Administration. BUREAU OF MAINTENACE AND TECHNICAL SERVICES The Bureau of Maintenance and Technical Service has the responsibilities of maintaining and repairing electrical and non electrical equipment. The Bureau is also responsible to service all mechanical and electrical equipment which include; Vehicles, generators, Telex Typewriters, Computers, Communication sets, and the Plumbing system. The Bureau also takes care of the repairs of furniture, doors, windows and the general cleaning of the Ministry - the interior parts as well as the exterior areas. The Bureau operates with a total staff of sixty-five members. These include Mr. Jeremiah C. Voker, Director, Mr. Stewart Mulbah, Deputy Director for technical Services, Ms. Jackquellie Sullie, Deputy Director for Operations. The Source of Power It goes without saying that the consumption rate of electrical power has dramatically increased over the past three years, due to the presence in the Ministry building of the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs. It must however be underscored that the maintenance staff of both Agencies collaborated and coordinated well on the job. The 41 Executive Mansion Technical staff is responsible for power generation, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs contributes to providing fuel for the generator. Present, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not have any generators. Its 500 & 350 KVA generators are out of service and may have to be replaced. BUREAUX OF PUBLICATIONS & PRINTING The Bureau of Publications is one of the operational arms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The functions of the Bureau include, but not limited to the following: Writes and print Official Gazettes of deceased Government Officials, Prominent and Senior citizens of the Republic of Liberia. Receives and coordinates the printing of Legislative Acts and distributes the printed handbills, to the Legislature, the President, Vice President, the Chief Justice, all Government Ministries and Agencies, Superintendents of Counties, higher Institutions of learning, Public Corporation, etc. Writes proclamations for National Holidays and other internationally proclaimed days and coordinates their printing thereof. Distributes copies of printed proclamations and Gazettes to the President, the Speaker, President Pro-tempore, the Chief Justice, Minister of Justice and Minister of Information. Conducts research on Legislative Acts and all other relevant documents in the possession of the Bureau of Publications. Progress In our previous Annual Reports, it was mentioned that some Acts passed by the National Legislature were printed directly by those concerned. Some would deliver only few printed copies to the Bureau of Publications, but others, not at all. As a result, the record of Acts of the National Legislature needs improvements. This condition has however improved considerably and efforts are being made to further remedy its future. Achievements During this reporting period, the Bureau carried out all its daily official assignments and performed the following tasks: 42 Official Gazettes prepared and published …………………………….. 34 Proclamations prepared and published ……………………………….. 27 Number of Acts received from the National Legislature ……..… … 37 Number of Acts printed into handbills ……………………………… 39 Number of Acts distributed …………………………………………... 26 These Acts are detailed in the Annex to this report. LOOKING AHEAD The Bureau of Printing recommends that in order to alleviate the high cost associated with printing services and to control, secure and prevent the unnecessary exposure of confidential and classified documents of Government, the Bureau should be refurbished, rehabilitated and equipped. Plans are underway for this with expected support from UNDP in 2009 for securing a printer and other equipment. BUREAU OF PASSPORTS & VISAS The Bureau of Passports and Visas" primary function is to issue Passport to Liberian nationals and Visas to aliens requesting entry into Liberia. In effecting these duties, the Bureau ensures that proper screening of applicants are conducted to establish the truthfulness of their claims of Liberian citizenship and the subsequent issuance of passports on the establishment of said fact. There are three categories of passport, namely, Ordinary, Official and Diplomatic. The ordinary passport process is directly handled by the Bureau, with applicants going through the regular screening procedures. Unlike the Ordinary Passport, the Official and Diplomatic passports process begins with communications from the requesting Governmental Ministry, Agency, Bureau, etc. to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Bureau of Passports and Visas then proceeds to issue the Passport as per instructions from the office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The issuance of Visas was once in the purview of the Bureau, but has now been transferred to the Protocol Section for a little over a year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2008 launched the ECOWAS passports and began issuing same to Liberian applicants. The ECOWAS passports, which are in three categories, 43 Ordinary, Official and Diplomatic, are machine readable and biometric and is obtainable within 24 hours upon application. The Ministry also implemented far-reaching measures to reform its Bureau of passports and visas which have effectively removed bottlenecks causing the excessive delay in the acquisition of Liberian passports by eligible applicants. The maximum period it takes to obtain Liberian passports after a successful interview and payment of the stipulated passport fees, is now one week. The demand for passport during the year 2008 rose to an average of one thousand five (1500) monthly. The bureau during the same period, traced and brought to book applicants with falsified documents; applicants changing names; and even aliens with fake birth certificates, stating that their parents are Liberians, when in effect, they are not. Objectives : Digitalization of the Passport issuance process Reduce the passport processing time Ensure that only Liberians obtain Liberian Passports, and Prevent the extortion of money from applicants. Challenges After assuming the office as Acting Director of Passport/Visas, we experienced series of irregularities and fraudulent activities which we are still in the process of curtiling. The dishonesty on the part of requesting officials and agencies for Official and Diplomatic passports for their staff members has also become a challenge. Several communications have been received from various Government entities applying for Official/ Diplomatic passports on behalf of people who are purported to be officials of the respective entities making the request. Investigations have revealed that some of the applicants are not within the employ of those entities. Another problem that the Bureau faces emanates from applicants who are outside of the country, especially those in Asian countries. Applications are usually received for passport for Liberians in Asian countries with the stated reason that their passports got lost. However, they will request that the new passport should have a change of name, simply 44 because they are trying to evade justice after committing a crime. The Bureau was also faced with the issue of Liberians fronting for aliens to obtain Liberian passports. During our intensive interviews and screening, most of these cases were discovered and those involved were sent to NSA/Police for further investigation. Actions and Successes Beginning August 17, 2007, the passport application process became digital. The digitization of the process created new opportunities and challenges. The current passports are not biometric and pose security risks. The Bureau contracted the existing support team (Ateina) for the existing system. The approach to ensure that the system works is to create a mobile verification system. This system will use the passport database to verify travellers. For the pilot, a remote unit will be stationed at the airport"s departure and arrival terminal to verify Liberians who are travelling. The mobile system will verify travellers by entering their passport number and ascertaining that the passport was indeed issued to the traveller. The Bureau has acquired several equipments including a mobile computer and a finger print machine. We are embarking on this in order to stop unscrupulous applicants from applying multiple times and selling passports abroad. We would hope that should commence at the Roberts International Airport upon approval. In a bid to alleviate some of the numerous problems that the Bureau is encountering with Liberians applying for passports from abroad, we are to coordinate with most of our Embassies abroad in order to assist in the direct interaction with Liberians abroad who need passports. Some of the Embassies that we have been in touch with are Ghana, Ivory Coast, France, Germany, Belgium, Sierra Leone, and Guinea and we have been receiving their cooperation. The stipulated time for the processing of an Ordinary Passport is four weeks, but through the efficient and effective work or our staff, the processing time has been reduced to a maximum of three weeks. To curtail the extortion of money by unscrupulous employees, staff of the Bureau now wear uniforms, making them easily recognizable. 45 Staff Advancement and Training During the year under review the Deputy Director of Passports and Visas Mr. Israel Davis was awarded a government scholarship for a masters Program to the Republic of China. The German Federal Police extended an invitation to the Bureau for a staff to form part of a delegation to Germany to attend a one week consultation meeting on the illegal migration of aliens in Germany and Europe. Looking Ahead The Bureau submitted the following recommendations to Senior management for consideration: That we employ Liaison Officers for the Bureau where we do not have Embassies. That in-service training and/or workshops be held for the advancement of the staff. Various training programs and workshops should be developed to help maintain and improve the integrity and efficiency of the staff. Provision of scholarship for deserving staff members will serve as incentive to further improve performance. That access to the entrance of the Bureau be restricted for use by only the staff of the Bureau of Passports and Visas. This will prevent the overcrowding of the Bureau by other Ministry employees who are constantly loitering and harassing applicants. That a Mini-Bus be provided for use by the Bureau staff to help alleviate their transportation plight. These recommendations are under consideration. BUREAU OF DIPLOMATIC POUCH Function The Bureau of Diplomatic Pouch which is headed by a Director is responsible to prepare pouches for onward transmission to our Missions and Embassies abroad by Airlines and also receive same from our Embassies for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Bureau also collects and posts ordinary letters to and from Government Ministries and Agencies, Public 46 Corporations, NGO"s, diplomatic establishments, and private institutions, both within and outside of Liberia. In this connection, arrangement has been made through the Deputy Minister for Administration, Hon. Johnson N. Gwaikolio, with the Ministry of Postal affairs, to dispatch mail from the Ministry and bill it on a monthly basis, while the incoming ones are distributed according to addressees. Despite the movement of the pouches, we still make efforts with Airline Cargo Sections to ensure that pouches are dispatched with deserving urgency and safely delivered. BUREAU OF PROCUREMENT The Bureau of Procurement and Supplies is the arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clothed with the responsibility of procuring goods and services on behalf of the Ministry. Presently, the Bureau has a staff of seven (7) persons, the Director included. During the year under review, the Bureau of Procurement expended a total of $1,000,592 US (One million five hundred and ninety-two thousand dollars) in meeting the Ministry"s need in logistics and goods and services. BUREAU OF INTERNAL SECURITY The Bureau functions under the general supervision of a Director who is appointed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs with the approval of the Head of State. The Director is responsible to the Minister of Foreign Affairs through the office of the Deputy Minister for Administration but shall (when so directed) report directly to the Minister. The Bureau being the protective arm of the Ministry, it operates on a 24 hour basis seven (7) days a week. Personnel and Administration The bureau currently operates under the general supervision of Inspector Robert P. Dean, Jr. as Director (1992) and assisted by three (3) Deputy Directors (Administration, Operation and Special Services) and a host of Security Agents and clerical staff functioning 47 in a coordinated manner to achieve the overall objectives of the Division on a day to day basis. The Service with 33 agents including the Director. Operation The Ministry experienced no theft. However, there were series of road traffic accidents involving the Ministry vehicles in which both minor and major damages and injuries were sustained. Visitors and employees were protected in keeping with established policy and procedures. Law and order was maintained at all times within the premises while the Bureau endeavoured to promote a cordial working atmosphere and coordination with personnel of other Law enforcement and national Security Institutions also operating within the same area of operation. The Bureau also received maximum cooperation from personnel of the United Nations Military Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the Indian Female Police Unit (FPU) Contingent assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the period under review. Achievements In order to build the capacity of our staff, the Assistant Director for Operations was awarded a scholarship to undergo a three month training course in criminal justice at the Centre for Criminal Justice Research and Education in the City of Monrovia from September to November 2008. It is therefore expected that the Assistant Director will become an asset to the Department following his training. The cost of the program was underwritten by the Director of Security who is also an Executive Member of the Liberia National Law Enforcement Association (LINLEA). MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS CLINIC During the first half of the year, activities at the clinic were at a very strenuous pace due to the absence of the supply of drugs and needed logistics. However, Administration responded urgently in providing the much needed supply of drugs and other items. It is worth mentioning that for the first time in four (4) years, the Clinic was included in the F/Y 2008/2009 budget of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With the favourable development during the period under review, and under the management of Ms. Mercy S. Marblic as 48 Director/Medical Services, the clinic received and treated 300 members of staff for various diseases ranging from common cold to various types of infections. LIBERIAN DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS ABROAD Within the context of Liberia"s reconstruction agenda, it was necessary to review, the nation"s representations abroad. The decision for the closure of some Missions was a difficult one but which had to be taken in order to be able to elevate the image of our Foreign Service Officers which had been terribly compromised in the recent past. Those missions scheduled for closure are DRC and Cameroon, which are faced with considerable arrears of past administration that must be provided for, to effect the closures. Government, however, maintained and/or opened Liberian Diplomatic Representations in 12 African Countries, 3 in Asia, 5 in Europe and 2 in the United States/United Nations. LIBERIA'S DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR MISSIONS ABROAD LIBERIA'S AFRICAN MISSIONS :THESE ARE FULLY OPERATIONAL i. LIBERIAN EMBASSY ADDIS ABABA ii. LIBERIAN EMBASSY ABUJA iii. LIBERIAN EMBASSY FREETOWN iv. LIBERIAN EMBASSY CONAKRY v. LIBERIAN EMBASSY ACCRA vi. LIBERIAN EMBASSY ABIDJAN vii. CONSULATE GENERAL N'ZEREKORE, GUINEA viii. LIBERIAN EMBASSY CAIRO ix. LIBERIAN EMBASSY RABAT x. LIBERIAN EMBASSY TRIPOLI xi. LIBERIAN EMBASSY PRETORIA xii. LIBERIAN EMBASSY YAOUNDE LIBERIA'S ASIAN MISSIONS i. LIBERIAN EMBASSY BEIJING ii. LIBERIAN EMBASSY TOKYO LIBERIAN EUROPEAN MISSIONS i. LIBERIAN EMBASSY BRUSSELS ii. LIBERIAN EMBASSY LONDON iii. LIBERIAN EMBASSY PARIS iv. LIBERIAN EMBASSY BERLIN 49 v. LIBERIAN EMBASSY ROME LIBERIAN MISSIONS IN THE AMERICAS i. LIBERIAN EMBASSY WISHINGTON D.C ii. CONSULATE GENERAL NEW YORK iii. LIBERIAN PERMANENT MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS Several of these Missions declined quite significantly during the outbreak of the civil crisis which presently pose a serious challenge to the Government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Upon assuming leadership of the country, President Johnson Sirleaf wasted no time in embarking on measures aimed at upgrading and renewing these missions to their pre-war status. This she felt was necessary considering that Liberia is in a post–conflict era and requires increased bilateral, sub-regional and regional cooperation to meet its security and reconstruction challenges. Some of the measures adopted to strengthen the Liberian Foreign Service including Liberia"s African Missions, were the recall of a number of the diplomatic Staff; the closure and pending proposal to close some of the Missions. Government also suspended all Liberia"s Honorary Consular activities in second half of 2007 except for a very few strategic ones, until the Honorary Consular Corps could be revamped with new operational guidelines to make them productive and responsive to the reconstruction and development needs of the country. LIBERIA'S AFRICAN DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS LIBERIAN EMBASSY ADDIS ABABA The Embassy of the Republic of Liberia accredited to Ethiopia is also accredited to the African Union and the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) in Addis Ababa . As a result, the Ambassador and Chief of Mission of the Embassy, H.E. Edward H. Clinton form part of the Liberian delegations to all Ministerial and Summit Meetings convened particularly by the African Union in both Adds Ababa and Accra, Ghana, during the reviewing period. The Embassy also played host to the Liberian delegations during Conferences that were held in Addis Ababa, and the Ambassador and Staff attended all 50 regional and sub-regional group meetings of AU Ambassadors and other official meetings held in Addis Ababa. The Ambassador is also accredited to East African Community States including Sudan. LIBERIA – ETHIOPIA RELATIONS The relations existing between the Republic of Liberia and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia remain cordial and harmonious. The Government of Ethiopia continues to exercise considerable restraint and understanding towards the Liberian Embassy"s indebtedness. This show of understanding is predicated upon the Ethiopian Government"s sympathy with Liberia"s predicament occasioned largely by the effects of the just ended armed conflict. Arrangements were made for the Government to cancel 50% of our indebtedness while the Government of Liberia pay for the balance of present indebtedness. LIBERIAN EMBASSY ABUJA The Embassy of Liberia in Abuja is undergoing reform after many years of low activity. The objectives of the Abuja Mission include promoting private sector investment in Liberia, protecting the interest of Liberians living in Nigeria, Benin and Togo, interpreting and advancing Liberia"s foreign policy with the view of obtaining official and private sector support for Liberia"s Poverty Reduction Strategy to lift Liberia, and represent Liberia"s interest in ECOWAS. Major developments in Nigeria during the review period include President Yar"Adua"s embarking on a Seven Point Agenda to address the many development challenges of Nigeria, including corruption, dissident activities in the Niger Delta Region, and the global economic meltdown. Under his Seven Point Agenda, the President has prioritized Power and Energy, Food and Security, Wealth Creation, the Transport Sector, Land Reform, National Security, and Education. He reconfigured his cabinet, won a Supreme Court Challenge to his election, and released a FY 2008 budget of N2.9 trillion. The Mission's measurable objectives in FY 2008-2009 include: 51 Enhanced understanding by means of Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) and via business forums, the media, the private sector, and universities, of Liberia"s development and investment policies, in order to increase the support of the Nigerian Government and major private sector initiatives for the PRS. Registration system to protect the interests of an estimated 5,000 or more Liberians residing in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Togo, and Benin. An improved method of reporting and making recommendations on matters that have implications for Liberia"s economic and political developments. Increased private sector investment in Liberia from Nigeria and accredited areas by more than 50% of the current level, and the strengthening of bilateral ties between Liberia, the three neighbouring States and ECOWAS covered by the Embassy. 2.1. Status of the Abuja Mission The Mission worked under great constraints in fulfilling its objectives under the leadership of a Chargé d"Affaires, a.i., Mr. Roland N. Bedell, assisted by five diplomats, and five local staff. Nevertheless, some functions remained vital which we continue to discharge, such as the Consular services: the Mission issued five laissez passers, eight multiple visas, six single visas, and four passport renewals during the period under review. Official Visits During the period under review, the Embassy received many officials of the Government of Liberia, including President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf transiting from Lagos into Abuja for various meetings at the ECOWAS Secretariat, AU, including the ECOWAS Court Meetings, and ECOWAS Parliament Meetings, against the backdrop of inadequacies experienced over the years especially the period under review, The Mission currently needs an additional appropriation of $824,356 to revitalize its activities. Its new Chancery-cum- Residence is still being constructed under a contested agreement with Sigma Corporation (a Nigerian Firm), a contract inherited by this Government, and about which the Liberian Government has requested the Economic and financial cries office of the Government of Nigeria ti intervene. Nigeria - Political 52 Nigeria has many political parties, including two dominant ones: the ruling People Democratic Party (PDP) and Action Party (AP). Alhaji Musa Yar"Adua, GCFR, and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. He was elected President in April 2007 on the ballot of the PDP. The election was alleged to be fraudulent by the other contestants of the Presidency, namely, former Vice President during the tenure of President Olusegun Obasanjo, and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of AP, and the former military ruler, General Muhamadu Buhari. However, the Supreme Court passed a judgment upholding President Yar" Adua"s victory in October 2008. Liberia-Nigeria Relations During the period under review, it is pleasing to state that the amicable and brotherly relations existing between the peoples and governments of the Republic of Liberia and the Federal Republic of Nigeria were further strengthened. This unique relationship has been sustained and further consolidated by the constant exchange of personal contacts and official visits of Liberia"s President to the President of Nigeria. The Embassy assisted with the processing of the Agreement of the new Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Ebenezer Adigun. The Liberia Community in Nigeria Relations between the Embassy and the Liberian Community in Nigeria were cordial and harmonious. It is worthy to mention that due to the positive developments in Liberia, especially after the election of H.E. Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, many Liberians and non- Liberians who resided in Liberia prior to the civil war have returned home to make their contributions toward the overall development of the country Liberia's Relations with Benin and Togo Cordial cooperation, understanding and friendship characterized the diplomatic relations between the Republics of Liberia Benin and Togo. Liberian Embassy in Freetown 53 The Embassy maintained its 20-strong staff of 17 locals and three diplomats. The diplomats include the Ambassador, H.E Thomas N. Brima, the 2nd Secretary-Head of Chancery, Mr. Roland Nah Johnson, and the 3rd Secretary-Finance Officer, Mr. Azikiwe Moses Deshield, Sr. Even though small amount was transmitted to the Embassy during the period in review to cover utility bills, having met some of our utility debts. THE CONSULAR SECTION: The Embassy successfully expedited UK Visa Applications for fifty-five (55) Liberian Government Officials including eighteen (18) Legislators and nine (9) Ministers. 92 Vehicle Passes were issued to motorists wishing to travel to Liberia by road. 58 Visas were issued to foreigners (non-Liberians and non-ECOWAS citizens) wishing to visit Liberia; out of which 21 were Diplomatic-Gratis courtesy visas, 27 single entry and 10 multiple entry visas. 168 Laissez Passers (emergency travel certificates) were issued to Liberian Nationals travelling through or from Sierra Leone to Liberia. SYNOPSIS The year in review was not without challenges. In the face of these challenges, the Embassy successful mediatory and representational roles the Embassy played between the Governments and Peoples of Liberia and Sierra Leone. The Embassy also succeeded in promoting the image of Liberia; exposing and explaining its present development efforts, achievements and needs through interactions with other Foreign Missions, international organizations and the Diplomatic and Consular corps. Prominent among these were the Ambassadors from Guinea, the United States of America, The Gambia, Germany, Nigeria, United Kingdom, who paid courtesy calls at the Embassy during which visits we held substantive worthwhile discussions. The Embassy communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia those discussions we felt were noteworthy. From the consular statistics indicated supra, it can be noted that the Embassy did not only serve the interests of Liberians wishing to return home but also rendered consular services to non-West African and non-African visitors including potential investors and Diplomats. The Embassy also established a cordial working relation 54 with the British High Commission in Freetown and has therefore been successful in expediting visa applications on behalf of Liberian Government Officials wishing to pay visits to the United Kingdom. The Embassy continues to make the required annual rental payments on 6.4 acres of land it acquired as a reciprocal gesture on lease for 99 years from the Government of Sierra Leone in the newly designated Diplomatic Enclave, for building its much needed Chancery and ancillary structures. The Embassy has consequently submitted a total of three project proposals from developers for the building of the Chancery with relevant suggestions for implementation under pre-financing arrangements, which could further lessen the financial weight on Government in the near future. The Embassy also tendered a project proposal for the fencing of the acquired piece of land in compliance with Sierra Leone Government"s regulations and to deter encroachers. The Political situation in Sierra Leone during the reporting period was relatively peaceful and calm, as we witnessed political parties peacefully co-existing, each seeking recognition and votes by spreading their political agenda within the society without any major incidents. Take for instance, the Councilors of the City of Freetown decided to change the Mayor and they did so in a very quiet manner. The economic tide in Sierra Leone experienced a dramatic rise, as the prices of essential goods and services including locally produced food items and other commodities, soared rapidly to unprecedented heights. The revenue intake has risen but the Country remains considerate dependent of donor assistance. The Civil Society to a large extent has been democratic in its disposition notably during last year"s Parliamentary and Presidential Elections and the Local Government Elections of this year. Opposing partisans have been relatively tolerant with each other regardless of tribal differences, Political affiliation, in spite of some reported threats, verbal abuses and other misconducts. POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN SIERRA LEONE 55 The new APC government of President Koroma, immediately upon inception into office, made it clear that there would be no tolerance for corruption. In fact the President has never made any public address without the mention of "zero tolerance for corruption". Consequently, during the reporting period, President Koroma and his Foreign Minister have on various occasions informed the Diplomatic corps in Freetown, of the APC government"s campaign to affect Attitudinal Change among Sierra Leoneans. The Government revised and launched a National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) and had it passed into law. The act made it compulsory for all public servants to declare their assets. His Excellency President Ernest Koroma became the first Public servant to declare his assets and he subsequently directed all of his Ministers and other civil servants to do the same. LIBERIAN EMBASSY CONAKRY (Republic of Guinea) Ambassador E. Sumo Jones presented his Letters of Credence to President Lansana Conte of Guinea from President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia on May 24, 2008. During the period under review under the leadership of Ambassador Jones, the Embassy continued to enjoy excellent cooperation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other Government Agencies. The Embassy also had cordial working relationships with all diplomatic and consular missions including International Organizations accredited to Guinea. The Conakry Mission endeavoured to promote a positive image of Liberia and worked to enhance cordial and friendly relations between the peoples of our two countries. Relations between the Embassy and the Liberian community in Guinea proved and mutually supportive. Roberts Flight Information Center The Roberts Flight Information Region (FIR) another economic Union founded by Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone under the Mano River Union whose activities were interrupted during the civil wars, is again functioning and relocated in Liberia, whilst its leadership rotates between Guinea and Sierra Leone. Visits of President Johnson Sirleaf to Guinea 56 During the year under review, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf visited Conakry, Guinea, twice. The purpose of the first visit on August 18, 2008, was to pay a courtesy call on her Brother and Friend, President Lansana Conte, after the Military and Police uprisings that took place in Conakry in May, 2008. The President returned for the second time on October 2, 2008, upon invitation to participate in the 50th Independence Anniversary of Guinea with a high powered delegation of 11 persons including Acting Foreign Minister W.V.S. Bull and Honorable Haja F. Siryon of the Liberian House of Representatives. She and members of her delegation returned to Liberia the same day. Upon requests, the Ambassador had the privilege of paying courtesy calls on the Ambassador of the People"s Republic of China, the United Kingdom, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria, Algeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, the European Union (EU) and Ghana. CONSULATE GENERAL OF LIBERIA IN N'ZEREKORE In this year"s report, the Consulate paid special attention to monitoring the Local Integration phase of Liberian refugees into the Guinean communities through UNHCR in collaboration with the Regional Office for Social Integration representing the Guinean Government (BRISR) and Humanitarian Organisations delivering services to Liberian refugees. Emphasis was also made on the punctual repatriation of Liberian refugees back home; building and strengthening the relationship with the Guinean authorities in N"Zerekore as well as International Organisations, while at the same time continue rendering services to Liberians Citizens residing in the Region of N"Zerekore. The Consulate noted the visits to N"Zerekore of the former Prime Minister of Guinea Lansana Kouyate, along several with key United Nations representatives residing in Guinea and outside; along with the Inspector General for Foreign Missions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In building Liberia"s image, the Consul General, W. Duyan Morris, supported the organization of the celebration of Liberia"s 161st Anniversary with the active cooperation and collaboration of Liberian citizens residing in N"Zerekore, with a view to encouraging them to return home and do the same in Liberia as their contribution to nation building. The Consulate General was relocated to a building located in Gbangana Quarter 57 incorporating both the Consulate and the Consul General"s residence to reflect the recommendation of Ambassador E. Sumo Jones LIBERIAN EMBASSY ABIDJAN The Year under review was results-focused for the Embassy of Liberia in Cote d`Ivoire with concurrent accreditation to Burkina Faso and the Republic of Niger. The Embassy recorded significant progress in realizing the Foreign Policy objectives of her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Improvement in relations with the host country and concurrent accreditation countries is a highlight of the period under review. Exchange of visits, good neighbourly gestures, and other activities were the hallmarks of the bilateral relations and cooperation. Also, through the support of the Home Office, important strides were made in clearing up the back log of arrears for rents, salaries, and other services. These efforts had a positive impact on image-building and helped to revise the morale of the personnel. Additionally, the action taken towards salary adjustment and cost of living for diplomatic personnel, implemented from the beginning of the fiscal Year 2008/2009, reflects government"s interest in strengthening the service delivery capacity of the Foreign Service. BILATERAL RELATIONS Cote d'Ivoire Relations between Cote d"Ivoire and Liberia remain harmonious especially since the election of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. In April of the period under review, Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf paid a two day official visit to Cote d"Ivoire from April 1 to 2. The visit afforded the two leaders the opportunity to re-affirm their commitment to the social and economic development of the sub-region and to strengthen political cooperation and pursue the objectives of good neighbourliness and peace. Additionally, new areas of cooperation were the highlight at the meeting between Ivorian and Liberian business and economic actors during this visit. Her Excellency President Johnson Sirleaf was admitted into the highest "order of the Republic" by her Ivorian counterpart His Excellency Laurent Gbagbo. In May, a high level delegation from Cote 58 d"Ivoire participated in the Mano River Union Summit in Monrovia, thereby confirming her adhesion to this sub-regional structure. Bilateral cooperation is intensifying as Cote d"Ivoire gradually moves towards presidential elections after a six year period of armed crisis and a divided national territory. Burkina Faso. In April of the reporting period, new vistas of cooperation were opened between Burkina Faso and Liberia by the establishment of a Joint (cooperation) Commission. High level representatives from the two countries met in Ouagadougou from April 16 to 19 to set up the Commission. In May, the Ambassador was received in audience by President Blaise Compore of Burkina Faso, for the purpose of presenting her Letters of Credence. During the audience, the Ambassador conveyed fraternal sentiments from Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for sustained cordial ties between the sister Countries. His Excellency President Compare, in turn, expressed satisfaction at the renaissance of cooperation between the two countries since the election of Her Excellency President Johnson Sirleaf. He renewed his commitment and support for strengthening cooperation between the sisterly republics, especially within the framework of the Burkina Faso-Liberia Joint Commission that was set up in April, 2008. Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf also participated in the ECOWAS Summit that was held in Ouagadougou in January 2008. Republic of Niger During the reporting period, the Government of Niger granted its agreement to the appointment of the Ambassador of Liberia, her Excellency Vivienne T. Wreh as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Liberia to Niger with residence in Abidjan, Cote d"Ivoire. However, regular visits to Niger within the context of conferences and meetings, have been made by high level personalities from Liberia. In May, Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf led a delegation to the third Spain-Africa meeting "Women for a Better world" that was held in Niamey. 59 The Ivorian Peace Process During the course of the year under review, the Embassy has transmitted detailed situation reports of the peace process in Cote d"Ivoire. It may suffice, therefore that this report highlights just the salient points of the "post-crisis" period and the steps towards presidential elections. Since His Excellency President Laurent Gbagbo and Guillaume Soro (now Prime Minister) signed the peace agreement (known as the Ouagadougou Peace accord) in March 2007, Cote d"Ivoire is gradually moving towards peace. This agreement was facilitated by the President of Burkina Faso, His Excellency Blaise Compaore`. The re-unification of the country has brought about the restoration of Government control of public institutions through out the country. Economic activities have commenced and commercial institutions are now visible in the interior zones that were previously cut off from Abidjan by the "north-south divide". The United Nations" Force (ONUCI) is still present and will be active in the election process. The United Nations Secretary General"s Special Representative (SRSG) is Mr. Y. G. Choi (Korean) who took up his post in 2007. Also, the Special Representative of President Blaise Compaore" the Facilitator of the Ouagadougou Peace Agreement is resident in Abidjan and is closely monitoring the execution of the agreement. Local government institutions are functioning in all the regions and social infrastructure and their attendant services are gradually being restored. Additionally, Cote d"Ivoire is now playing host to major international conferences in the Political (Yamoussoukro) and Economic (Abidjan) Capitals. Primary among these conferences was the 12th Session of the Intergovernmental Follow-up and Coordination Committee on Economic Cooperation among Developing Countries (Group of "77) in June of the reporting period. The Economy Economic activities are progressing as the country continues to tackle post-crisis issues. However, in mid July, mass action by the population in response to strains aggravated by the high cost of living, engendered strike actions for one week that paralyzed Abidjan and other regions. Additionally, in the coffee and cocoa sector, which is one of the major 60 revenue basses for Cote d"Ivoire, the Government took action on an audit report that made certain recommendations for improvement in the operation and management of that sector. Disarmament (DDR) issues The disarmament process is ongoing. The two sides-FDS (Force de Defense et de Securite) from the national army and FN (Force Nouvelle) from the rebellion have still not been merged. However, the Ouagadougou Peace Agreement stipulates joint meetings and consultations among all the military actors-FDS, FAFN, LICORNE (French forces), ONUCI, among others under the CCI (Integrated Command Center). Notably, the United Nations Commission on disarmament at the end of their assessment mission in August reported that the proliferation of arms in Cote d"Ivoire is a major concern. Also, frequent disturbances and uprising within the ranks of the demobilized and encamped military and ex-combatants from the ex-rebellion and Government forces have given rise to public fear and doubts about Government disarmament efforts. The Ivorian authorities have informed the public that one of the main features of the DDR process will be national service. Ex-combatants will be encouraged to enroll in national (civic) service. THE EMBASSY The Embassy operates at level of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary since (December 2007) headed by a career diplomat her Excellency Ms. Vivienne T. Wreh. To date, there are three diplomatic personnel namely, the Ambassador and two officers (Counselor and Second Secretary/Vice Consul). All of the three are fluent in French. The strength of the diplomatic staffing is appropriate for representation in Cote d"Ivoire. Finance The financial standing of the Embassy has improved as a consequence of the strides and efforts of the Ministry. Salaries and allowances are current as well as the visible efforts of Government to clear arrears. The Embassy is maintaining stride with the Ministry in ensuring accountability and transparency in all transactions of the Embassy. Records of remittances for salaries and others and their disbursement are regularly updated. 61 Consular activities and services are ongoing. However, as reported in 2007, revenues are not high. The Embassy receives requests for visas largely from diplomatic missions. These services are granted free of charge. Also, other requests for civil documents are infrequent and are granted largely on a "pro bono" basis since the Liberians resident in Cote d"Ivoire are 98% refugee population. Therefore, the precedent has been to apply this meagre revenue towards the daily operation of the Embassy. The Official Residence The maintenance and upkeep of the official residence, which is the Government of Liberia"s property, remains a challenge to representation. However, action has been taken by inviting a contractor to inspect the premises and provide costing for immediate and long term renovation of the premises. Up to the writing of this report, the residence is still generally unfurnished and needs to be painted. There is a proposal before the Ministry to relocate the Chancery to the premises. The Chancery The landlords have advised Government of their intention to raise the rent of the Chancery effective January 1, 2009. Government has occupied the premises for ten years (since 1998). The Embassy proposed that Government move out of the premises since the hike is not justifiable. Relations with Liberians Residing in Cote d'Ivoire During the course of the year in review, progress was made by the Embassy in establishing contact with leaders in the community of Liberians residing in Cote d"Ivoire with a view to holding a formal meeting with the Liberian refugee and non-refugee population. The purpose of this meeting would be to set up a formal structure comprising leaders in order to organize the Liberian Community in Cote d"Ivoire. 62 At a town hall meeting during the visit of Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in April, she called for cohesion among the Liberians residing in Cote d"Ivoire and reminded them to respect the laws of the host country. The Liberian refugee population is the largest grouping in Cote d"Ivoire. It comprises 24,000 which makes up about 98% of the total refugee population. The west of Cote d"Ivoire has the largest concentration. The Ambassador, under the aegis of the UNHCR, has made two visits to the west of Cote d"Ivoire to meet with the Liberian refugee population. The tours were geared towards encouraging them to take advantage of the UNHCR voluntary repatriation program and to sensitize them on the need for identification. Capacity Building During the reporting period, the Embassy advanced a request to the UNHCR which donated a computer set with a printer to help build the Embassy"s capacity in this direction. Achievements During the reporting period, progress was made in key areas which helped to strengthen the service delivery capacity of the Embassy. Notably, the new salary scale (structure) for diplomatic personnel and the improved and structured payroll of the local personnel created an opportunity for internal reform. The social Security benefits for Liberian and Ivorian personnel are being discussed. Clearly, with the pooled efforts of the Home Office and the Embassy, the policies and transparency and accountability are enhanced. LIBERIAN EMBASSY – YAOUNDE The Liberian embassy in Yaoundé is one of the Missions earlier earmarked for closure in line with the restructuring exercise of the Liberian Foreign Service. Any closure exercise requires funding. It requires that all indebtedness of the Mission be it to vendors, landlords or state institutions in the country of accreditation must first be settled. The Liberian Embassy in Yaoundé owes considerable amounts to landlords and other service providers totalling sum $1.9million. Efforts are underway to address this with Government of Cameroon. 63 Presently, the Mission is without any diplomatic staff. The Counsellor and Charge d" Affairs of the Embassy, Mr. James Massa, left his post without any permission or excuse from the Foreign Ministry and is reported to be living in the United States. Meanwhile, the Embassy"s affairs and properties are being taken care of by Mr. Daniel Toby as Attaché without diplomatic ranking. LIBERIAN EMBASSY RABAT, MOROCCO Upon the transfer of His Excellency Mr. Jarjar M. Kamara to the Great Socialist People"s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya as Ambassador Extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Republic of Liberia, to our Embassy in Tripoli, Mr. Morieba K. Sanoe serves as the Charge d"Affaires, a.i. He is the only diplomatic Officer at this Mission. Consular Activities During the period under review, it is noteworthy that the Consular Section was mainly engaged in the renewal of Liberian passports, issuing of laissez-passer to Liberian citizens and informing the Moroccan public, especially the business community, about the many investment opportunities in Liberia. Consequently, there have been positive signs from the Moroccan business community to explore the possibility of investing in low-cost housing units in Liberia. Other Moroccans have also expressed their desires to engage in the logging business. Educational and Student Affairs It is gratifying to mention that during this reporting period, 20 Liberian students were awarded scholarships under the auspices of the Moroccan/Liberian Bilateral Scholarship Program to pursue further studies in the Kingdom of Morocco. The 20 students are presently studying the French language at the Mohammed V. University in Rabat: LIBERIAN-MOROCCAN RELATIONS For the period under review, Liberian-Moroccan relations continue to be cordial, friendly, supportive and cooperative. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation as well as other agencies of the Moroccan Government continue to give full support to the Embassy 64 whenever the need arises. The Embassy continued to promote a positive image of Liberia, make the Moroccan people more aware about developments in Liberia and establish cordial relations with members of the Moroccan parliament and officials of the Moroccan Government. Nevertheless, it should be mentioned that there are still many outstanding bilateral matters that need to be pursued brought bring to closure. These outstanding matters are being discussed with Moroccan authorities at every given opportunity. Among these is the pledge of the Moroccan Government during the International Conference for the Reconstruction of Liberia in New York on February 6, 2004, to assist in the training and rehabilitation of the Liberian Security Forces and its participation in the rehabilitation of the medical services and the distribution of portable water to the Liberian population. LIBERIAN EMBASSY TRIPOLI Ambassador Jarjar M. Kamara continued to function as head of the Mission in Tripoli (Socialist People"s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya) while Mr. Ibrahim K. Nyei has been transferred to the Mission in Rome, Republic of Italy. First Secretary Mr. Wilfred K. Selmah, departed for Liberia on December 18, 2007 and has not yet returned to post of which the Ministry has been apprised. Finally, Mr. Philip Tupee Soclo, Second Secretary, continues to serve in this capacity. Consular Activities For the period under review, the Consular Section continues to perform its statutory functions by issuing visas, authenticating documents, renewing Liberian passports, issuing Laissez-Passer to Liberian citizens assisting to release Liberians from prisons in both Libya and Tunisia. The Embassy also works closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in identifying, documenting and repatriating Liberian citizens. In addition, the Consular Section is also engaged in disseminating information and encouraging the Libyan Business Community, among which is the Libyan Arab African Investment Company (LAAICO), to manifest interest in investment opportunities in Liberia. 65 Liberian-Libyan Relations Liberian-Libyan relations, for the period under review, continue to be fruitful and cordial. Despite some procedural difficulties here and there, the Embassy continued to receive full cooperation from the Libyan People"s Committee for Foreign Liaison and International Cooperation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) in the discharge of its duties. VISIT OF PRESIDENT ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and delegation arrived in Tripoli, Libya, on August 25, 2008, for a two-day official visit. The President and delegation were received upon arrival by senior Libyan Government officials, headed by a member of the Libyan Revolutionary Command General Weldi Hamedi and the Secretary General for Arab Affairs, Mohamed Sieadi. Also present to receive the President of Liberia at the Matika Airport were the Ambassador of Liberia in the Great Socialist People"s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, the diplomatic officers as well as the local staff of the Embassy. During their talks, the Lybian Leader assured President Sirleaf of Libya"s commitment to Liberia"s development programs and will ensure that programs earmarked by his country for implementation will be carried out. He also confirmed funding for the implementation of projects, including the Rubber Processing Plant to be built in Gbarnga, Bong County, Technical and Vocational Schools for the Handicapped and also assistance to Liberia to tackle the food crisis as well as the renovation of the Ducor Intercontinental Hotel. At the conclusion of the two-day official visit, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf welcomed the recommitment made by the Libyan leader and renewed Liberia"s adherence to fostering the spirit of political and economic integration of the continent of Africa. Both Leaders agreed that development and sustained progress in Africa can be enhanced when African countries and their leaders remain united. They also shared the view that the African Union is the only credible instrument for the consolidation of peace on the African continent. During this reporting period, the Government of Libya dispatched two cargo planes containing 30 tons each of humanitarian supplies for Liberia. Libya"s support for Liberia 66 has mainly concentrated in the areas of agriculture, infrastructure and the business sectors. Members of the Council of Chiefs led by Chief Zanzar Gawor used the occasion of their visit to gown the Lybian Leader. In remarks, Chief Gawor expressed appreciation for the support his country was giving to the development, peace and stability of Liberia. The ten-member Traditional Council of Chiefs delegation was in Tripoli upon the invitation of the Leader of the Revolution in order to join their colleagues from other countries to participate in the programs marking the 39th Anniversary of the 1st September Al-Fateh Revolution, which was held in Benghazi, as well as in all cities and towns in the country. THE COMMUNITY OF SAHEL-SAHARAN STATES (CEN-SAD) During the period under review, Liberia participated in the 10th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Heads of State of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) held in Cotonou, Republic of Benin. The Liberian delegation was led by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who arrived in Cotonou on the 17th of June 2008. Other members of the delegation included Deputy Minister for International Economic Cooperation, Hon. Conmany B. Wesseh and Ambassador Jarjar M. Kamar from the Liberian Mission in Tripoli. At the said meeting, Mauritania, Kenya and Sao Tome and Principe were admitted as members of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD), bringing the total number of membership to 27 countries. One of the most important topics that was discussed by Leaders and Heads of State and Governments was the prevailing food crisis. In order to tackle this leaders at the Summit pledged to give emergency support to vulnerable populations and farmers in order to assist them grow their food needs. Liberia was singled out for the efforts it was exerting to pay its dues to the Organization in spite the post- conflict impact on its economy. LIBERIAN EMBASSY PRETORIA Under the reviewing period, the Embassy forged ahead with its mandate of promoting and fostering bilateral relations with the ten (10) accredited Southern African Nations in areas within the field of diplomacy covering political, economic, cultural and social aspects. 67 Towards this end, following the presentation of the Letters of Credence to His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, Former President of the Republic of South Africa on August 24, 2007, the Liberian Embassy moved quickly with the dispatch of nine Diplomatic Notes requesting the Agreement for the Ambassador Designate and requesting dates for the presentation of her Credentials. OUTCOME To date eight (8) Countries namely: South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Swaziland, Angola, Malawi and Zimbabwe out of these ten (10) accredited Countries have granted Agrément in favor of the Ambassador Designate and the Ambassador has to date presented her Credentials to the following Countries: 1. The Republic of South Africa – August 24, 2007 2. The Republic of Namibia on the 25th of June 2008; and 3. The Republic of Mozambique on the 17th of December 2008. Recognizing that the fulcrum for the promotion and maintenance of diplomatic relations rest upon matters addressed in Bilateral Agreements, The Ambassador negotiated and signed between governments, the Embassy moved with haste to secure from the Republic of South Africa draft agreements for negotiation in the following areas: 1. The General Framework Agreement; 2. The Agreement on Economic Cooperation; 3. The Agreement on Trade and Development; and 4. The Agreement for the Protection and Promotion of Investments Within the context of South Africa, these Agreements are to be concluded and signed during the President"s upcoming State visit to South Africa. Similar requests have already been dispatched to the Governments of the Republic of Mozambique and Namibia. IMPLEMENTED ADMINISTRATIVE PROJECTIONS of 2008 In the Embassy"s drive to enhance its mandate, the below administrative initiatives were undertaken under this reviewing period as follows: 68 1. The Embassy secured a two year Lease Agreement for the Residence of the Ambassador located at 184 Outeniqua Park, Waterkloof, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa following six (6) months of living in and out of Guest Houses; 2. The Embassy procured the vehicle for the Ambassador – the type: Jaguar X Type; 3. Re-established communication facilitates (fax, landlines, and emails for the Embassy); 4. Established strong links with the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Trade and Industry from all levels – starting from the Chief of Protocol, the Directors of the Presidency, the Director for African Bilaterals and Assistant Directors; the Minister of Trade and Industry along with his Assistants; the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs along with her Personal Assistant and the Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as her Personal Assistant; 5. The establishment of the Embassy"s Website www.iipembassy.co.za which is designed to portray Liberia as a true portal for investment opportunities and a repository for the easy access to vital information for countries within the SADC Region; 6. Maintained Security protection for its Chancery located at 1157 Schoeman Street, Schoeman Street Forum, Hatfield, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa. 7. Request through Diplomatic Notes and emails the filling of outstanding vacancies for the Minister Counselor, the Second Secretary and most recently that of the First Secretary the latter of whom has been recalled for training in diplomacy; and 8. Re-organized the issuance of visas for sequential formation EVENTS, MEETINGS AND VISITS During this reviewing period, the Embassy attended, and participated in the following events and meetings and received the President, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. 69 Other Highlights can be summarised as below: Attended the Opening of Parliament which event is obligatory for all Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Representatives of International Organizations on February 8, 2008 in Cape Town, South Africa; Served as Guest Speaker for the Female Ambassadors" Happy Hour under the auspices of the PRETORIA DIPLOMATIC CLUB in March 2008; Served as a speaker at the Women"s Day Breakfast on August 9, 2008 celebrating the Centurion Life Skill Workshop focusing on empowering individual, families and communities to reach their full potentials; Served as Guest Speaker for the launching of the Book: "BUSINESS UNUSUAL: Gender and Economy with a foreword by Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia held in Sandton, Johannesburg on August 13, 2008; Attended the opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 28th Summit of SADC Heads of State and Government on August 16-17, 2008 at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg; Attended the Funeral Service along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the late President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Patrick Levy Mwanawasa in Lusaka, Zambia 2nd – 3rd September, 2008; Presentation of Letters of Credence by Ambassador Designate, Her Excellency Mrs. Lois Lewis Brutus to His Excellency Armando Guebuza, President of the Republic of Mozambique on December 17, 2008 in Maputo, Republic of Mozambique; Attended all monthly meetings of African Ambassadors held the last Wednesday of each month to discuss issues and concerns of the various African Embassies accredited to the Republic of South Africa. FACILITATIONS During this reporting period, the Embassy facilitated on nine (9) occasions, the issuance of Airport Visas for officials and non officials into South Africa. In this respect, the Embassy wishes to inform you that this privilege will not continue indefinitely as the law of the 70 Government of South Africa requires that visas must be obtained prior to entry into South Africa. The Embassy does not want to abuse this privilege anymore. The Embassy facilitated on three occasions under this reviewing period the reception of members of the Liberian Legislature attending the Pan African Parliament in Midrand, South Africa. CONSULAR SERVICES The Embassy during this reporting period has provided consular services to South Africans and other nationals desirous of visiting Liberia through the issuance of 174 visas and opened its website to provide easy travel, economic and investment information to visitors wishing to travel and for starting business in Liberia. REPATRIATION The Embassy has also facilitated the repatriation of eight (8) undocumented Liberians detained at State Prisons in collaboration with the Department of Home Affairs. REPORT ON POLITICAL DIPLOMACY Under this reporting period, the political landscape of South Africa experience for the first time in the history of Africa"s oldest political movement of 97 years, the ANC, a turbulence of an unprecedented scale which led to the recall by the National Executive Committee of the ANC on September 20, 2008 of President Thabo Mbeki followed by the tender of his letter of resignation on September 21, 2008 to the National Assembly of the Parliament. The formation of a rival new political party, the Congress of the People (COPE) led by ANC dissidents Mosiuoa Lekota, former Minister of Defense and former ANC National Chairman and Mbhazima Shilowa, former Premier of Gauteng Province. These changes in the political landscape was occasioned by the September 12, 2008 Ruling by Judge Chris Nicholson at the Pietermarisburg High Court in which he inferred that President Mbeki interfaced with the charging and multiple attempts to prosecute ANC President, Jacob Zuma and dropped corruption charges against Mr. Zuma. As a result thereof, on September 22, 2008, the Republic of South Africa was given a new leader 71 chosen by the ANC in the person of its Deputy Leader, Mr. Kgalema Motlanthe, replacing Mr. Thabo Mbeki until the holding of elections on the 22nd of April, 2009. Mr. Motlanthe was sworn in a President of South Africa on September 25, 2008. Judge Nicholson"s ruling has now been overruled by the Constitutional Court and Mr. Zuma has been asked to answer in a Court of Law on 110 Counts of Corruption ranging from money laundering, racketeering etc. He is nevertheless the standing candidate of the ANC for the President of the Republic of South Africa during this upcoming elections scheduled for April 22, 2008. PLANNED ESTABLISHMENT OF A SOUTH AFRICAN EMBASSY NEAR MONROVIA This decision is still on course. It was scheduled for March 2009 following the recee mission, has now been placed on the priority list for the new government. This delay the Embassy has been informed is occasioned by the world economic crunch. ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY Under this period of reporting, according to the International Budget Partnership (IBP) a global Research and advocacy group ranks South Africa as the second most transparent and citizen friendly budgeting process in the world with the United Kingdom in the first, France 3rd , New Zealand 4th and USA in the 5th. In light of this new economic melt down, it has been noted that South Africa"s economy, the vibrant and largest in Africa will withstand the full effect of a global economic recession. It boasts of strict exchange control and almost non-existent secondary market activity in repackaged bank loans. In fostering this economic cooperation the Embassy has established excellent rapport with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and participated in several of the Ministry"s workshops and provided power point presentations to expose Liberia"s investment opportunities and encourage South African businesses to invest in Liberia. To date, there is a presence of South African Companies doing business or in partnership with existing Liberian Companies such as: MTN with Lonestar, MANHATTAN in the extractive mineral sector, DELTA Consolidate which was reported to have provisionally won the $1.6 Billion Iron 72 Ore deal for the western Cluster, and many more South African – Liberian exchanges in the areas of skills transfer and training; water purification; auditing, postal services and civil service development amongst other. SOCIAL/CULTURAL DIPLOMACY Under this reviewing period, the Embassy continues to encourage the exchange of information and culture – participated at the funeral services of the late "Mama Africa" Madam Marian Kakeba and encouraged artists such as Sigbongibe Yvonne Chaka Chaka amongst others to visit Liberia. Efforts were made towards revitalizing the Council of Female Diplomats. Towards this end, the corps of female diplomats headed by the High Commissioner of Canada, Egypt, Botswana amongst others were at the Airport to welcome President Sirleaf during her recent visit for the Nelson Mandela Lecture Series. The female Ambassadors also hosted lunches and farewell dinners for in coming female Ambassadors and High Commissioners and for departing ones: Senegal, Egypt, Cyprus, Burundi, etc. On the social scene there were a number of social unrests which resulted in the targeting of diplomatic missions and their personnel. Affected Embassies were: Ghana, Egypt, Tanzania, and Cyprus. There were serious strings of xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals residing at displaced settlements which resulted in deaths and involuntary repatriation. PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS IN THE FOLLOWING COUNTRIES PENDING 1. Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The mission notes that with the necessary financial and moral support this mission as well as the nine accreditations represents a unique opportunity for the development of excellent bilateral relationships in all spheres of our interaction. LIBERIAN EMBASSY, CAIRO, EGYPT We are pleased to report that the Embassy has re-established excellent working relationship with the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Government at all levels, thanks to 73 measures put in place to control all illegal activities previously conducted at the Embassy. The Mission also enjoys excellent relations with all Diplomatic and Consular Missions, as well as International Organizations accredited to the Arab Republic of Egypt. During the period under review, the President of Liberia, H.E. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf transited through Cairo, Egypt, in route to Sharm El Sheikh to attend the African Union Heads of State Summit. The President and delegation also passed through Cairo on their way to the United States. Egypt-Liberia Relations The relations between the Government of Liberia and the Arab Republic of Egypt are characterized by cooperation and mutual respect. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to provide favourable atmosphere for the smooth operation of the Embassy. Within the framework of the Liberia-Egypt Technical Cooperation three Liberians graduated from the Centre for Metallurgical Research & Development Institute with certificates in Mineral processing technology. They are: Mr. Nathaniel G. Johnson III, Eric Saygbe Kieh and Samuel Jason Summerville. H.E. Olubanke King-Akerele, Minister of Foreign Affairs, took time off at the end of the AU Meeting to pay a private visit to Cairo, Egypt, from July 2-3, 2008. Although that visit was private, she availed herself of the opportunity to meet the Director of the Egyptian Institute for Diplomatic Studies and the Suzanne Mubarak Movement for Peace and Security, respectively. The Purpose of the meeting was to explore the training prospects for cooperation between the Egyptian Institute for Diplomatic Studies and the Liberian Foreign Service Institute of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Liberia. The immediate outcome of the Minister"s interaction with Egyptian authorities was the training of 24 Liberians at the Egyptian Institute for Diplomatic Studies in the Practice of Diplomacy in late 2008 and the participation of an Egyptian trainer in a Course in Protocol and Etiquette organized in Monrovia, Liberia. The Meeting with the Country Director of the 74 UNDP, Cairo evolved around ways and means to increase the involvement of UNDP Liberia in the development agenda of Liberia within the context of south-south Cooperation. Meeting held at the Susanne Mubarak Women International Peace Movement centre in Cairo was an occasion for the Foreign Minister to brief authorities of the Centre about the proposed "Angie Brooks International Centre on Women"s Empowerment, Leadership Development and Promotion of International Peace and Security" in Monrovia. Challenges There is need for Government to review the problem of health insurance for Embassy staff and their families given the high cost of medical services. In face of past fraudulent activities that allegedly took place with the complicity of Embassy personnel among which is the proliferation of Liberian Diplomatic Passports, there is need to put in place a control mechanism to curtail this flow into the region. As a result of these unscrupulous activities in the past, the case for security protection of Embassy officials becomes compelling. The Egyptian Government is prepared to make available security protection at our Embassy, provided the government of Liberia reciprocates the gesture. Visit to the Jordanian Institute of Diplomacy, Amman, Jordan The Ambassador initiated talks between the Embassy and the Jordanian Institute of Diplomacy to explore the training prospects for Liberian diplomats and aspiring diplomats. The on-going discussion could culminate in a memorandum of understanding to facilitate the process. Visit of the Women Group: During the period under review, the Director of the International Colloquium on the Women"s Empowerment Leadership Development, International Peace and Security, Mrs. Yvette Chesson-Wureh, led a three-man delegation to Cairo, Egypt, from September 10- 12, 2008. The members of the delegation were Mrs. Carole Tyson and Mrs. Adjoa Amana. During their visit, they held fruitful discussions with members of Suzanne Mubarak Women"s International Peace Movement, and Officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 75 including, Mrs Fouad Shalaby, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Director of Cairo Institute of Diplomacy, Mr. Alaa Alaziz. Kuwait Visit During the period under review, Ambassador Konah Blackett visited Kuwait to present his letters of Credence to the Amir of Kuwait which he did on January 16, 2008. The Director- General of the Kuwaiti Fund for Arab Economic Development during the meeting with Ambassador Blackett pointed out that they were fully aware of the economic situation in Liberia, and in the spirit of cooperation between the Government of Liberia and the Fund, they are prepared to make some arrangements with the Government of Liberia for the settlement of arrears and the eventual participation of the Fund in Liberia"s Development Program (details are contained in another more comprehensive report). Report on China-Africa Sixth Senior Officials' Meeting: The Sixth Senior Officials" Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was held in Cairo, Egypt, from the 17-19 October, 2008. It was attended by 40 African Countries, the People"s Republic of China, and Representatives from several Regional Organizations. At the opening Ceremony, the Assistant Minister of Foreign affairs of Egypt, Ambassador Ibrahim Ali Hassan, delivered a statement on behalf of H E Ahmed A. Gheit, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, followed by a statement by Assistant Minister Zhai Yun on behalf of the Chinese Government. Malawi was welcomed as a new member of the group. Members of the Liberian delegation are: 1) H. E. Neh Dukuly-Tolbert Ambassador of Liberia to China Head of Delegation 2) H. E. Konah K. Blackett Ambassador of Liberia to the Arab Republic of Cairo Member 3) Hon. George Wisner Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for African Asian Affairs, Member 76 During the general debate, the delegates discussed the report presented by Mme. Xu Jinghu, Secretary General of FOCAC Chinese follow-up committee on the implementation of the follow-up action plan of FOCAC Beijing Summit, the third Ministerial Conference and the proposals for FOCAC development. However, the delegates agreed that the Declaration of the Beijing Summit and the Forum on the Beijing Action Plan (2007-2009) are being implemented, and applauded the achievements in the areas of political affairs, economy, trade, social development, people to people exchanges and the institutional building of FOCAC. Discussions were focused on China-Africa Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security and Infrastructure. It was pointed out that the two sides should step up their efforts to promote the Agricultural and infrastructural Cooperation to meet the challenges for food Security and socio-economic development. The Chinese Government promised to continue to encourage credible and well established Chinese enterprises to invest and carry out cooperation in Africa, so as to contribute to the economic and social development in Africa. African Diplomatic Corps Meaningful cooperation with the AU missions has been an important focus of the Embassy which continued to fully participate in the group"s meetings, discussions and activities. His Excellency Moussa Mohamed Ahmed, the Ambassador of the Republic of Djibouti replaced H.E. Mouchili Ismaila of Cameroun as Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps. Student Affairs There are at the present fifty (50) students studying at the Al-Azhar University both in Cairo and Alexandria, respectively, under the Liberian/Egyptian Bi-lateral Scholarship Program. It is pleasing to report that the students have remained law abiding and have not engaged themselves in any negative activities Consular Activities The Consular activities of this Mission consist of issuing visas, legalization of travel documents for Liberian Citizens and renewal of Liberian Passports. During the period under 77 review, the consular fees collected amounted to $1,325.00. This amount was utilized to assist with operational expensive, due to lack of sufficient budgetary provision. Consulate - Alexandria The Consulate in Alexandria has not been productive over the years because of the lack of effective management technique and initiative. It is the proposed by the Ambassador to reactivate that consulate as the Alexandria Port could become a lucrative venture provided the individual selected for said position is competent, self-motivated, honest, and has great leadership and management abilities. The consul, Mr. Alieu Massaquoi, assigned to the Consulate in Alexandria was recalled from his post during the period under review. MIDDLE EASTERN/ASIAN MISSIONS LIBERIAN EMBASSY BEIJING The year 2008 has been a very productive and eventful year in Sino-Africa relationship and partnership. Liberia is particularly interested in broadening this partnership in the areas of economic and trade cooperation, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, peace, security, education, culture and health. The Liberian Embassy accredited to the People"s Republic of China continue to be headed by H.E. Ambassador Neh Dukuly Tolbert, assisted by Mr. Mohammed B.O. Kenneth as Minister, Counsellor Mrs. Klanneh W. Bruce as First Secretary and Consul, and Mr., Rudolph Sherman as Second Secretary and Vice Consul. Liberia-China Relations Liberia-China relations during the period under review have been productive, eventful, and mutually rewarding. Liberia is particularly interested in broadening this partnership, especially in areas of general economic cooperation, infrastructure development, agriculture, energy, education, culture and health and security development. The Visit to China of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf: 78 Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia and delegation transited through the People"s Republic of China enroute to attend the TICAD Meeting in Yokohama, Japan, on May 25-26, 2008. Upon arrival at the Beijing International Airport on Sunday, May 25, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and delegation, including the Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs, Dr. Togah G. McIntosh and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation and Economic Integration, Mr. Conmany B. Wesseh among others, were met by the Deputy Director General of the Department of African Affairs of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and staff. At the Diaoyutai State Guest House where the President resided, she held several meetings with executives of the China Oil and Food Corperation (COFCO), China-Africa Development Fund and Sino Steel Corporation. Among many issues discussed, rice was priority on the President"s agenda. During the President"s stay in Beijing she was hosted to a luncheon by the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Zhang Yesui and a diner hosted by Her Excellency Ambassador Mrs. Neh Dukuly Tolbert at her residence in Beijing. The President and delegation including H.E. Ambassador Neh Dukuly Tolbert left Beijing on Monday, May 26 for Yokohama, Japan to attend the TICAD Meeting. Visit of the Chief Justice of Liberia to China His Honor the Chief Justice of Liberia, Johnnie Lewis at the head of a seven-man delegation visited China from August 27 to September 2, 2008 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart. Chief Justice Lewis held discussions with the Vice President of the Supreme People"s Court of China Mr. Xiong Xuanguo and toured the middle and small- sized courtrooms of the Supreme People"s Court. The Chief Justice and the Vice President of the Supreme People"s Court of China made exposée on their respective systems of the judiciary. The Liberian Chief Justice was informed that China has 190,000 judges among which are 45,000 females. Among the many issues that came up is the status of the case involving the murdered Chinese woman in Monrovia. Chief Justice Lewis noted the similarities between the two judicial systems 79 which he said formed the basis for cooperation and exchanges. He explained to the Chinese hosts that the alleged murderer of the Chinese citizen was undergoing mental examination and that the case was still at the level of the Justice Ministry of Liberia. Visit of top officials of the Unity Party to China The Chairman of the ruling Unity Party of Liberia Dr. Charles Clarke accompanied by the Party"s Secretary General, Mr. Henry B. Fahnbulleh, Mr. Clemenceau Urey, First Vice Chirman and Mr. Mambu David, Second Vice Chairman, arrived in Beijing on September 15, 2008 at the invitation of the International Department of the Communist Party of China. According to the Vice Minister, the CPC has been following the progress made by the Unity Party and its Standard Bearer, Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. He noted the important role that women were playing in the political life of Liberia. Dr. Clarke and delegation held talks with the Vice Minister of the international Department of the CPC with H.E. Ambassador Neh Dukuly Tolbert in attendance. Government Officials and Technicians who participated in training opportunities About 100 officials and technicians from Liberia participated in various seminars, workshops and training courses in China during the period in review. The topics that brought the many participants from Liberia covered a variety of subject which include, energy, diplomacy, economy and trade, education, telecommunications, information technology, finance, arts and crafts, among others. The Tappita Hospital in Nimba County In April 2008, the agreement to build a 100 bed hospital in Tapita was signed by the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. William V.S.Bull, and the Chinese Ambassador Mr. Zhou Yuxioa. Present at the ceremony at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were the Ministers of Health and Social Welfare and representatives of that Ministry, the Deputy Minister for Administration Mr. Johnson Gwaikolo and Ambassador Neh Dukuly Tolbert accredited to China and other officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 80 Major events that occurred in China: a session of the National People"s Congress (NPC) and the Political Consultative Conference (PCC) of China: The first session of the National People"s Congress and the first session of the political consultative conference (PCC) convened in Beijing March 3 and 5 respectively. In the wake of the series of disasters that occurred in China especially the Snow Storm and the Earthquake, a meeting of ECOWAS Ambassadors was convened under the deanship of the Togolese Ambassador. At the meeting it was decided that member countries of ECOWAS should make a donation to the Chinese Red Cross as a sign of solidarity with the Chinese Government and people. To this end, the Embassy contributed a little more than $1500 equivalent in Rmb. Beijing Olympics The world"s biggest sporting event took place during the year in Beijing and other Chinese cities (Tianjin, Qingdao, Qinhuangdao, Shanghai and Shenyang). The grand opening of the games was held at the newly-build National Stadium (The Bird"s Nest) under the auspices of the Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (BOCOG) and attended by Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, all top officials of the CPC and the State Council as well as more than 80 Royals, Heads of State and Government, Prime Ministers, Ministers of Sports, Ambassadors accredited to China and other foreign guests. Liberia sent a delegation to the Beijing Olympic Games headed by the Minister of Youth and Sports Mrs. Etmonia Tarpeh, and included the Liberian National Olympic Committee President, Mr. Philibert Browne and the Chief de Mission, Ms. Gbour S. Wilson as well as other officials and three athletes. All China Women Federation: During the year in review, H.E. Ambassador Neh Dukuly Tolbert held two separate meetings with Madam Mu Hong, Deputy Director General of the All China Women Federation in Beijing on the scheduled International Colloquium on Women Empowerment, Leadership, Peace and Security to be held in Monrovia, Liberia, early 2009. On behalf of 81 the Co-Chair President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Organizing Committee, an invitation was extended to Madam Mu and the women of China to participate in the Colloquium. Liberian Residents in China During the reporting period, Liberian residents in China were faced with numerous problems ranging from illegal residence to fraud. Because of the hosting of the Beijing Summer Olympics Games, the Public Security Bureau throughout China carried out very stringent measures against foreign residents as a security check prior to the games. For these reasons the visa renewal of all foreigners was discontinued in China. This situation forced majority of the Liberian residents to leave the country. To date, only approximately 25 Liberians are now in Beijing. During the period under review, 22 Liberians were registered making the total number of Registered Liberians to 134. The Consular Section interacted with the Public Security authorities and Prisons Administration Bureau in Beijing, Guangzhou and Dongguan Guangdong Province, to identify persons who were detained and claiming to be Liberian citizens. Following verifications, some were proven to be Liberians and some were not, but were using forged Liberian travel Documents. Visa Section The Consular and Visa Section of the Liberian Embassy, during the reporting period issued a total of 337 visas in the following categories: Diplomatic/Official (39), Ordinary (230), Emergency (57) and Multiple (11). From these Consular activities, the Embassy generated $141,564.00 US and expended 77,516.00 US. The Consular and Visa Section issued approximately 75 visas to Chinese Nationals invited by the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia for the implementation of the China Aid Projects including the Construction of school buildings in Liberia and other projects. In response to concerns raised by this Embassy to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the issuance of fraudulent Liberian visas by some Chinese Companies in China, the Liberian Foreign Ministry has approved the replacement of the current wet stamp visa, currently being used by this Embassy to the Sticker visa introduced recently by the Liberian Embassy in 82 Washington D.C, USA. The modalities are being worked out by the two missions (Beijing and Washington) for its smooth implementation. RECOMMENDATIONS The Consular Section recommends the following: a) That due to the influx of Liberians travelling to China for business and other purposes, the Consular Section in Beijing is hereby recommending the opening of a Liberian Consulate in three cities of China namely-Guangzhou, Shanghi, and Shenyang and also one in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China. b) Plans are afoot for reacting positively to the proposal for a Consulate General in Guangzhou. c) That the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, coordinate with the Ministry of Education in Monrovia so that the allowances for all scholarship students be transmitted to Beijing through the Liberian Embassy"s account by the Central Bank of Liberia. This is a serious concern and has been recommended by the students since they feel that it is not safe to continue to send their allowances to an individual student for disbursement. This measure, they feel will prevent any fraud or misunderstanding regarding their allowances, and also ensure accountability. There is a need for a comprehensive investment code to be prepared by the relevant government ministries and agencies to include customs and tariffs regulations and incentives for investors. This will indeed help to encourage and bring into the country credible Chinese investors and business executives. LIBERIAN EMBASSY, TOKYO Relations between Liberia and Japan continue to be characterized by cordiality and harmony in the spirit of a memorandum signed between the two countries on February 19, 1969, establishing full diplomatic relations at Ambassadorial level. Prior to the outbreak of the Liberian civil crisis, Japan played a pivotal role in Liberia"s development process by granting technical assistance to the country in the areas of education, health, agriculture, youth development and scholarships to Liberians to study in Japan. President Sirleaf"s visit to Japan signaled the Liberian Government"s Commitment to maintain, enhance, and 83 promote continual bilateral and mutual ties of cooperation with the Japanese Government. Presently, Japan has an Ambassador accredited to Liberia, His Excellency Masamichi Ishikawa, with residence in Accra , Ghana . For the time being, the Embassy in Tokyo is headed by Mr. Adams S. Bility, the First Secretary/Consul as Charge d"Affaires, a.i. assisted by a staff of seven. During the period under review, The Embassy actively participated in several events including the Inaugural Ceremony of the 17th President of the Republic of Korea, the African Festival 2008, and the African Diplomatic Corps Meeting in preparations for the TICAD Summit among others. H. E. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and delegation arrived in Tokyo for the 4th Tokyo International Conference on African Development on May 26, 2008 and addressed the TICAD Summit on May 28, 2008. Under the Technical Cooperation Program between Japan and Liberia, JICA will have several Liberian nationals from different Ministries and Governmental Agencies participating in various Training Courses in Japan. However results of an assessment mission from the Inspectorate Services to Japan suggest some malpractices calling from a full audit in 2009. EUROPEAN MISSIONS LIBERIAN EMBASSY LONDON During the year 2008, the diplomatic and local staff of this Embassy carried out their duties of assignments in compliance with the directives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia . It is gratifying to report that the relations subsisting between the Republic of Liberia , the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ireland and the Holy See have continued to be cordial and harmonious. The Embassy also reported that an increasing number of the members of the business community in the United Kingdom are interested in the investment potential of Liberia and this interest is generated by the overall positive image enjoyed by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. This advantage has also facilitated cordial interaction with both officials of the host country as well as high-ranking diplomats resident in London. The President"s popularity 84 has further granted the Embassy officials access to visit and discuss matters of interest to our country with high-level members of major corporations in the United Kingdom . Bilateral relations between the Republic of Liberia and the Holy See have also remained amiable. During the period under review, the Head of this Mission visited the Vatican on two occasions to hold discussions with Pope Benedict XVI and other high level members of the Ecumenical Staff. In further developments regarding this Mission"s multi-jurisdiction, during the period under review, H.E. Mr. Wesley M. Johnson presented the Letters of Credence by which Her Excellency Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf accredited him as Liberia"s Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland in a ceremony on November 25, 2008. The Staff of the Liberian Mission at the Court of St. James is under the leadership of the Ambassador and comprises two Ministers Plenipotentiary, two Ministers Counsellor, First and Second Secretaries with Consular duties. The diplomatic staff is assisted by four local personnel. It should be noted that during the period under review, Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Dorsey R. Hansford, completed his tour of duty at this Mission and was transferred to the Embassy of Liberia near Cairo Egypt. Mr. Alexander Wallace, Minister and Deputy Head of Mission arrived on December 5, 2008 to replace Mr. Hansford. The mission has underscored the need for considerable renovation of their premises with particular reference to the Boilers and its limited capacity. This is planned to be effected in 2009. Liberian-British relations The cordial relations subsisting between the Republic of Liberia and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland remain affable and friendly. And being cognizant of the scarcity of capital investments by industrialized countries into our part of the world, this Mission decided to employ measures to influence positive decision-making in the halls of British Parliament to substantially aid Liberia in the re-building of both our infrastructure and economy. 85 In this connection, it was decided to engage the assistance of a distinguished and reputable citizen with impeccable credentials in good standing with the British political establishment who would articulate the interests of Liberia . Consequently Lord Michael Jay, a member of the House of Lords and Chairman of Merlin medical aid agency, was approached and accepted to assist the Embassy in this endeavour. In his initial attempt to raise Liberia "s profile, Lord Jay gave an interview to the BBC News on September 25, 2008 regarding United Nations Development Goals, and argued that the industrialized world must address the conflicts that prevent the achievement of targets on health and human right. He then emphasized that "in Liberia, a period of stability under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has allowed health workers to deliver more vaccinations, paving the way for a fall in infant mortality". The Embassy awaits with specific directive from Monrovia to Lord Jay"s assistance. During the period under review, the Embassy discussed and held a number of meetings with investment and public relations consultants in a feasibility study to enable the hosting of the first investment forum in London. The objective of this endeavour was to provide members of the British business community who are desirous of exploring investment possibilities of Liberia accurate information of its vast economic potential enabled by the favourable and secure atmosphere for investments offered by our country. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints the Embassy was obliged to postpone hosting the Forum to possibly 2009. The Embassy also participated in meetings with various public and private groups and attended social engagements including the annual Evening Reception for the Diplomatic Corps hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. Liberia – Holy See Relations As part of this Embassy"s responsibilities, Ambassador Johnson travelled to the Vatican City on 12 September 2008 , to attend a Church Conference and meet with officials of the Holy See. Focusing on the necessity of Christian communication and togetherness, the Conference provided the opportunity for both the Orthodox and Catholic Church to explore areas for consensus in their ecumenical services to contribute to better understanding among Christians worldwide. To this end the ceremony was presided over by Pope 86 Benedict XVI with the attendance of the Orthodox Bishop along with other members of the clergy. During his visit to the Vatican , Ambassador Johnson joined the delegation of Hon. Joseph N. Boakai, Vice President of the Republic of Liberia during his trip to Italy where the University of Florence gave the Vice President three scholarships to enable Liberians study up to Master Degrees in Agronomy. Liberian Communities in the United Kingdom During the period under review, members of the Liberian community met to discuss matters of concern to their individual and collective communities. In view of the fact that Liberians are disbursed across the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, with community organizations in their respective areas, They decided to establish the Union of Liberian Community Organizations (ULCO-UK) to coordinate the objectives of the various Community Organizations. It is therefore noteworthy that through the efforts of the ULOUK, and this Mission, a harmonious relationship between the Mission in the U.K. and the Liberian communities in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland has been greatly enhanced. During a recent meeting organized on September 26, 2008 between Dr. C. William Allen, Director General of the Civil Service Agency and members of the Liberian Community, Dr. Allen explained the Senior Executive Service Program, currently in progress in Liberia . The Senior Executive Service Vacancies were published widely in the UK by the Mission in collaboration with the Liberian community websites. Liberia – Irish Relations In furthering the already cordial ties between Liberia and the Republic of Ireland , Ambassador Wesley M. Johnson presented his Letters of Credence by which President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf accredits him as Liberia "s first Ambassador to that country. In a ceremony held in Dublin on the 25th of November, Ambassador Johnson was received by the Irish President, Mrs. Mary McAleese along with her Minister of Foreign Affairs at the official residence of the President of Ireland. 87 Delivering his presentation statement, Ambassador Johnson recalled the military assistance of the Irish Government to the United Nations Mission in Liberia that ensured the restoration of peace and security to Liberia, Ambassador Johnson expressed the thanks and appreciation of the Government ad people of Liberia. LIBERIAN EMBASSY PARIS The Paris Embassy received and extended courtesies to many Liberian visitors both official and private some of whom were hosted at the Residence. Headed by H.E. Ambassador D. McKinley Thomas, the staff include three diplomats, 10 local employees and four Honorary Consul, two located each in Greece and Spain. Consular activities at the Embassy include the issuance of 447 ordinary visas, 70 diplomatic, 38 official, 3 attestations, 2 extracts of birth certificate, 2 passport renewals and 1 legalization. Efforts ignited to regain Liberian"s chancery, the sale of which is under investigation with legal assistance in France. BILATERAL COOPERATION Bilateral cooperation between Liberia and France has taken on an added dimension with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding which calls for assisting to strengthen the capacity of the Liberian Immigration and Naturalization Service. The Memorandum provides for the construction of Immigration and Customs Posts, at various border points. This is part of the current 13,000,000.00 million euros, French bilateral assistance to Liberia. Also forming part of this assistance is the mid-wife training program and the teaching of the French language to Liberians under a scholarship program. The relationship subsisting between the Embassy and the host government is very cordial and will move to a higher level in the years ahead. The rapport with the rest of the Diplomatic Corps in Paris is gratifying on every level. POLITICS AND THE ECONOMY OF FRANCE The Sarkozy led government made a major constitutional reform by amending 24 articles of the French Constitution. France"s economy is 65.4 percent free, according to the 2008 assessment, which makes it the world"s 48th freest economy. Its overall score is 2.5 88 percentage points higher than last year. France is ranked 25th out of 41 countries in the European region, and its overall score is lower than the regional average. However, France"s fiscal freedom and government size scores are extraordinarily weak. As in many other European social democracies, government spending and tax rates are exceptionally high to support an extensive welfare state. Government expenditures are more than half the size of the nation"s GDP. The immediate challenges facing President Sarkozy led government will be to introduce new labor legislation and reform the tax code to make work pay. France continues to be both a driving force for further European integration and a major recipient of enormously distorting agricultural subsidies under the European Union"s Common Agricultural Policy. Protectionist policies toward politically sensitive industries such as wine, cheese, and mustard are likely to continue under Sarkozy, as is state intervention to protect French jobs from the perceived pressures of globalization. The credit crunch which hit the United States has engulfed the European markets leaving no nation-state untouched. KINGDOM OF SPAIN During the course of the year the Spanish Government continued to demonstrate its support for Liberia. The Madrid Regional Government donated two fire trucks to the Government of Liberia. Over 1.5 million euros have also been earmarked by the Regional Government for assisting with the renovation and improving the capacity of the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital, thus boosting the health sector. The Spanish economy, the Euro zone"s fourth largest, expanded 3.8 percent last year but has since been hammered by the international lending crisis, rising interest rates, a housing market collapse and record oil prices. Spanish inflation jumped to a new record high of 5.3 percent in July over the same time last year due largely to the soaring oil price of oil. SWITZERLAND 89 Our relations with Switzerland continue to improve. The Swiss have indicated their satisfaction with the ongoing successful efforts of the Government of Liberia to retire the outstanding obligations of the former Liberia Permanent Mission to the United Nations and International Organizations in Geneva. Upon the settlement of more than two-thirds of our total obligation of CHF 647,641.00, to Swiss companies and citizens, the Swiss Government will facilitate the re-opening of our resident Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva. Additionally, the Canton of Geneva will now include Liberia in its LDC"s program, thereby enabling Liberia to receive rental subsidy for the Permanent Mission Offices up to an amount of CHF 3000 (Swiss francs). Ambassador McKinley Thomas is to be credited for this. Switzerland"s economy is based on a highly qualified labor force performing highly skilled job. The main areas include micro technology, hi-tech, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, as well as banking and insurance know-how. The service sector now employs the greatest number of people. Most employees work in Switzerland are employed by small and medium-sized enterprises, which play an extremely important role in the Swiss economy. The Swiss are concerned that economic activity should have as little impact as possible on the environment. Switzerland"s energy and transport policies aim to be environmentally friendly. UNITED NATIONS OFFICE AT GENEVA On 4 December 2008, Ambassador D. McKinley Thomas presented his credentials to the Director General of the United Nations Office in Geneva, co-accrediting him as Ambassador / Permanent Delegate of Liberia to the United Nations Office at Geneva. Although the Ambassador will be non-resident, it is envisioned that a resident Permanent Mission Office will be opened in Geneva by the end of March or April 2009. We have recommended that the Permanent mission Office be initially staffed with 1 diplomat, 1 administrative officer (local staff) and 1 secretary/receptionist (local staff). REPUBLIC OF GREECE 90 Greek ship owners continue to favour the Liberia Maritime registry and are expected to place a significant number of new buildings under our flag. During the course of this year, the Greek Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation organized a symposium for encouraging Greek private investment in Africa, to which Liberia was invited to attend. The main areas of concentration are expected to be agro-industries and fisheries. It is expected that a Greek trade delegation will travel to Liberia in 2009. In the last three years, the Greek economy has been expanding at an average annual rate of 4%, one of the highest rates in the Euro zone. Its growth rate for 2008 reach 3.4% as opposed to the 1.7% growth rate expected for the Euro zone. The European Commission forecasts that in 2009 it will remain high at 3.3% as opposed to 1.5% in the Euro zone. Greece is a gateway to Southeast Europe. More than 3,600 Greek firms and more than 3,000 branches of Greek banks operate in Southeast European countries and have invested over E15bn. Greece is strategically placed on the East-West energy corridor. The Turkey- Greece-Italy (TGI ) Interconnector brings natural gas from the Caspian Sea to Europe. The Turkey-Greece section was completed in November 2007 and the part linking Greece to Italy is expected to be completed by the end of 2012. Greece and Russia have signed an agreement for the construction and operation of the Greek section of a natural gas project which will bring gas from Russia to various parts of Europe. This project is scheduled to be completed in 2015. Greece also receives liquefied gas from Algeria. Greece owns the largest fleet in Europe and the third largest in the world. REPUBLIC OF PORTUGAL Portugal has made significant progress in raising its standard of living to that of its EU partners. Gross Domestic Product (GDP ) per capita on a purchasing power parity basis rose from 51% of the EU average in 1985 to 78% in early 2002. By 2005 this had dropped to 72% of the average across all of now 25 EU members, including seven with GDP per capita lower than Portugal as GDP per capita rose in other EU countries. 91 The Portuguese government supports foreign investors and market economy. It ensures repatriation of profits and capital invested in Portugal and guarantees equal access to all sectors of the economy. Portugal"s economy is based on industries such as textiles, clothing, footwear, cork and wood products, beverages (wine), porcelain and earthenware, glass and glassware. In addition, the country has increased its role in Europe"s automotive sector and has a world-class mold-making industry. The government is working to change Portugal"s economic development model from one based on public consumption and public investment to one focused on exports, private investment, and development of the high-tech sector. UNESCO, PARIS – FRANCE Our representation at UNESCO needs to be strengthened. We continue to participate in the various group meetings of the Organization and maintain cordial relations and good rapport with the permanent delegations. One of the concrete results obtaining from this course of action is evidenced by the recent donation of the Italian Government through UNESCO, for the support of war-affected girls and women"s education in Liberia. LIBERIAN EMBASSY – BERLIN Grmany is a Federal Government. It has a President but its politics take place in a framework of a Federal Parliamentary Representative Democratic Republic, whereby the Federal Chancellor is the head of Government who exercises Executive Power. German Economy Grmany is a huge country with a vast population of 82.5 million. It drives the economic life of Europe and thereby the well-being of an increasing number of its neighbours. Main exports from Germany are motor vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers, electrical machinery, chemicals and chemical products. German/Liberia Relations: 92 Under this reporting period, bilateral relations between Germany and Liberia saw meaningful gestures of encouragement. The German Government graciously waived US$400 million bilateral debt owed by Liberia. Subsequently, the government not only announced that it is ready to cancel all other bilateral debt which Liberia owes to Germany, but also campaigned for debt relief for Liberia in the World Bank"s Development Committee and in numerous meetings with creditor countries. These support helped Liberia to arrive at the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries decision point. As a result of the clarion call of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on international partners to step up support for Liberia"s Poverty Reduction and Reconstruction Program, the 2008 Liberia Poverty Reduction Forum was held in Berlin during the period under review. The Forum was held in order to engender rapid, inclusive and sustainable development in Liberia. It was hosted by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development and financed by the World Bank. At the end of the Forum, a press release issued indicated that Liberia"s international partners confirmed their support to the tune of US$250 to 300 million in 2008/2009 in consonance with Liberia"s highest development priorities. They committed about US$115 million through the Liberia Reconstruction Trust Fund. An additional US$140 million from the World Bank and African Development Bank was earmarked to support infrastructure financing over the ensuing three years. In a statement at the opening session of the Poverty reduction forum, the German Minister of Economic Corporation and Development Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul not only announced a grant of ten million euros towards the Liberia Reconstruction Trust Fund. ACTIVITIES AT THE LIBERIAN EMBASSY IN BERLIN: As indicated earlier in this report, the Embassy effectively completed the move from Bonn to Berlin in January of this reviewing period. The present staff of the Embassy consists of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Mrs. Sedia Massaquoi Bangoura and seven other employees including two diplomatic staff. Liberians in the Federal Republic of Germany 93 Our interactions with citizens of Liberia living in Germany have been cordial. Germany adheres to the norms of international human rights, and being very strict on immigration procedures, routinely accepts asylum seekers into Germany who give life-threatening stories upon arrival. As such, they are allowed to remain in the country; but after six months they are arraigned to the Embassy for nationality verification. Though some of these people were found not to be citizens of Liberia: but those that were found to be bona-fide citizens of Liberia were assisted by the Embassy in obtaining resident permits Government Property With the relocation from Bonn to Berlin, the building which formerly housed the Liberian Embassy, situated in Bonn, Mainzer Strasse 259 was sold in the Second half of the year with the approval of the President Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Proceeds from the sale are earmarked to meet GOL municipality obligation in Germany, repair and renovation of the Embassy in Sweden for leasing, repair and renovation of other GOL properties overseas, as well as other obligations and legal costs for retrieving GOL assets overseas, amongst others. SWEDISH POLITICS The politics of Sweden takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic constitutional monarchy. Executive power is exercised by the government, led by the Prime Minister of Sweden. Legislative power is vested in both the government and parliament elected within a multi-party system. The judiciary is independent and appointed by the government for life. THE ECONOMY The economy of Sweden is modern and highly industrialized. It has modern distribution system, excellent internal and external communications, and a skilled labour force. Timber, hydropower, and iron ore constitute the resource base of an economy heavily oriented toward foreign trade. The main industries include motor vehicles, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and forestry. SWEDISH/LIBERIA RELATIONS 94 Immediately before the period under review, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf visited Sweden and held bilateral talks with Swedish government officials. In her talks with Ms. Gunilla Carlsson, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency Minister, Sweden pledged to support Liberia"s efforts to achieve national reconstruction and renewal. As a result of request during President Johnson-Sirleaf"s discussions, the Swedish government responded positively and provided US$3 million to support Liberia school Feeding Program. It also provided US$1 million to help the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, US$1 million for Liberia"s Senior Executive Service and an additional US$1.6 million for labour intensive community program. Under the same period, November 1, 2007, Mrs. Sedia Massaquoi Bangoura presented her letter of credence to the government of Sweden as Liberia"s Ambassador to Sweden resident in Berlin. To further strengthen the cordial relations and foster the bilateral ties already existing happily between Sweden and Liberia and promote multilateral cooperation that would mutually benefit our respective Governments and peoples. Renovation of Embassy premises in Sweden is underway with plans to lease it out. Once this has been affected, proceeds from that are to be used for operation of diplomatic presence in Sweden under the Embassy in Germany. NORWAGIAN POLITICS The politics of Norway takes place in a framework constitutional monarchy. Executive power is exercised by the King and his council. The cabinet is led by the Prime Minister of Norway. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Storting, elected within a multi-party system. The Judiciary is independent of the executive branch and the legislature. THE ECONOMY The economy of Norway has shown robust growth since the start of the industrial era, although sensitive to global business cycles. Shipping has long been a support of Norway"s export sector, but much of its economic growth has been fuelled by an abundance of natural resources, including petroleum exploration and production, hydroelectric power, and fisheries. Agriculture and traditional heavy manufacturing have suffered relative decline 95 compared to services and oil-related industries. The public sector is among the largest in the world as a percentage of the overall gross domestic product. Norway has a very high standard of living compared with other European countries and an excellently integrated welfare system. NORWAGIAN -LIBERIA RELATION In October 2007 just before this reporting period, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf paid a two-day official visit to Oslo, Norway. At the onset of that visit she held an impromptu meeting with Liberian residing there. The government of Liberia is supported by Norway in electricity restoration efforts. It still provides assistance to Liberia with humanitarian and developmental activities. On November 15, of the same period, Mrs. Sedia Massaquoi Bangoura presented her Letters of Credence to the government of Norway as Liberia"s Ambassador to Norway, resident in Berlin. POLITICS OF AUSTRIA The Politics of Austria take place in a framework of a federal parliamentary representative democratic republic, with a Federal Chancellor as the head of government. The Federal President is Head of State. executive power is exercised by the government, both local and federal. Federal legislative power is vested in both the government and the two Chambers of Parliament, the national council and the conservative Austrian People"s Party (OVP) and the centre-left Social Democratic Party of Austria (SPO). The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. ECONOMY OF AUSTRIA The economy of the Republic of Austria may be characterized as a social market economy similar in structure with that of Germany. Its industries have a global reputation for high standards of production and service. Spread throughout Austria, they consists of the production of textile, glass, electrical goods, chemicals, steel, iron, metals, machinery, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, plastics, optical equipment, generators and food products. AUSTRIA-LIBERIA RELATIONS The Berlin Mission is working relentlessly with Government in order to continue maintaining excellent relations with Austria although diplomatic presence there has been 96 minimal since the closure of the consulate and appointments of honorary consul revoked in August 2007. Nevertheless, on September 15, 2008, Mrs. Sedia Massaquoi Bangoural presented her letter of credence to the Austrian Government as Liberia"s Ambassador to Austria and on September 30, 2008, to the United Nations in Vienna, resident in Berlin. In our efforts to further strengthen diplomatic relations and to promote Liberia in Austria and at the United Nations and other multilateral institutions, the government of Liberia has maintained its presence through the Embassy in Berlin at conferences in Vienna. To epitomize the level of government"s representation in Austria, a diplomatic presence was established in Vienna under the Embassy in Germany effective October 1, 2008, with the understanding that the Government of Austria would reimburse the cost of operating a premise in Vienna as part of Government of Austria assistance to Liberia, in line with a similar policy to other LDC"s. Politics of Denmark: The politics of Denmark takes place within in a framework of a constitutional monarchy. The Prime Minister is the head of government. Denmark has a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government with the Prime Minister acting as primus inter pares. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Danish Parliament. Economy of Denmark: Denmark has a small but open, and flexible economy. With very few natural resources, the economy of Denmark relies almost entirely on human resources. The service sector makes up the vast arena for employment and the economy. Its industrialized market economy depends on imported raw materials and foreign trade. It is self-sufficient in energy. Denmark produces oil, natural gas, wind and bio-energy. Its principal exports are machinery, instruments and food products. Among major Danish exports are industrial machinery, chemical products, furniture, pharmaceuticals, and canned ham and pork. 97 Denmark/Liberia Relations: Liberia has maintained longstanding cordial relations with Denmark. Commercial relations as well as bilateral assistance to Liberia date back as far as 1962 and throughout the 1970s. As a result of agreement signed between Liberian and the East Asiatic Company Ltd. Copenhagen, the development of the Liberia Produce Marking Corporation (LPMC) was enhanced. The Danish government has provided experts to assist Liberia in expanding tree crops such as coffee, cocoa and rice production. Also assisting the Liberian Government, Denmark focused on agriculture, clean drinking water and electricity. The Danish Government has made many contributions and donations as well as signed numerous bilateral agreements for the development of Liberia over the years. Recently the Minister for Development of the Kingdom of Denmark, Madam Ulla Torneas, visited Liberia as guest of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. During that august visit, an agreement on the cancellation of US$30 million bilateral debt Liberia owes Denmark was signed. In addition to the foregoing, Denmark committed US$22 million to enhance women and children empowerment programs in Liberia under MDG-3 of the Millennium Development Goals. Denmark has chosen Liberia as a model country towards efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goal-3, and further Denmark"s generosity will go a long way in helping Liberia make progress in the global campaign to enhance women"s empowerment by the year 2015. Politics of Finland: The Politics of Finland takes place in a framework of a semi-presidential representative democratic republic and of a multi-party system. The President of Finland is the Head of State, leads the foreign policy, and is the Commander-In-Chief of the Defence Forces. The Prime Minister of Finland is also the head of government. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in the Parliament of Finland, and the government has limited rights to amend or extend legislation. The president has the power of veto over parliamentary decisions although it can be overrun by the parliament. The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the Legislature. The Judiciary consists of two 98 systems, regular courts and administrative courts, headed by the Supreme Court and the Supreme Administrative court, respectively. Economy of Finland Finland has a highly industrialized, free-market economy with a per capital output equal to that of other Western Economies such as France, Germany, Sweden or the United Kingdom. The largest sector of the economy is services, followed by manufacturing, refining and primary production. The largest industries are electronics, machinery, vehicles and other engineered metal products, and chemicals. Finland has timber, several mineral and freshwater resources. Forestry, paper factories, and the agricultural sector on which taxpayers spend around 2 billion euro annually, are politically sensitive issue to rural residents. Finland-Liberia Relations To give a boost to Finland-Liberia relations, Mrs. Sedia Massaquoi Bangoura presented her Letters of Credence to the Government of Finland on September 11, 2008 as Liberia"s Ambassador to Finland, resident in Berlin. The diplomatic staff at the Berlin Mission continue to be relentless in their efforts to contribute immensely to the success of the ensuing International Women"s Colloquium which was earlier scheduled for 2009 in Finland. Financial and Consular Operations at The Embassy in Berlin: Consular activities at this Mission continued to improve especially with respect to visa processing. Holders of German passports or permit of residence constituted a significant number of visa applicants including other EU countries that fall within the jurisdiction of this Mission. Remittances for operational cost improved dramatically during the period under review. We hasten to express our thanks and appreciation for the very good work of this Administration in which good governance as well as transparency is prevailing. Out of the four hundred forty (440) visas issued during the period under review, 164 were gratis due to diplomatic privileges and immunities. Other consular activities such as renewal of passports, legalization of documents, etc. were minimal. NORTH AMERICAN MISSIONS 99 LIBERIAN EMBASSY WASHINGTON, D.C. The Embassy of the Republic of Liberia in Washington, DC, reports that during period covering January 1 through December 31, 2008, the Embassy continued to perform its role in enhancing the bilateral and cordial relations between Liberia and the United States of Liberia, with particular emphasis in promoting the national interest of the country. Under the sagacious Presidential leadership of Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the Embassy has continued to advance the interest of government, country and people of Liberia in the United States, including keeping abreast of America"s changing political landscape, its geo- political and economic stance as the sole super power of the world. It should be noted that the period under review witnessed a continuing surge in the improvement of the cordial relations between Liberia and the United States, highlighted by the historic State Visit to Liberia in February, 2008, by President George W. Bush, as part of a five-nation tour of Africa. The visit served as a platform for the two leaders and peoples to celebrate the resurgence of relations between two traditional allies and the concrete strides Liberia has made on the road to recovery and national reconstruction. The report also reflects on four visits to the United States by President Sirleaf, which included convocation speeches at her Alma Mater, JFK School of Government; University of Indiana and Dartmouth College in New Hampshire; addressed the Sixty-third Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and participated in the White House Summit on International Development which was further climaxed by a final Oval Office meeting with President Bush. Other senior officials of the government also made official visits to the United States of America. The reporting period also recalls the successful end of the tour of duty of Ambassador Charles A. Minor on September 15, 2008, after nearly five years as Liberia"s Ambassador to the United States at which time relations between Liberia and the United States were significantly resuscitated. Of equal relevance was the presentation of the Letters of Credence to President George W. Bush by Ambassador M. Nathaniel Barnes on September 17, 2008, as Liberia"s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States of America, replacing Ambassador Minor. Ambassador Barnes" relatively brief tenure has 100 been marked by aggressive pursuit of Liberia"s interest in the United States and the involvement of the Liberian Diaspora Community in the country"s development agenda among others. The period under review further recalls the historic milestone ushered in by the spectacular election of President Barrack H. Obama as the Forty-fourth and first African American President of the United States of America. His nomination in Denver, Colorado, in late August as the Democratic Candidate for the November 4 election set the stage for enhanced global interest in US political affairs as to whether an African American whose father was a Kenyan could lead the free world. For many, Obama"s Presidency represents how far the prolonged subjugation of African Americans has evolved and the resultant expectation that the American dream is achievable by all Americans, with determination and courage. The Political and Economic Situation The month of January 2008 was highlighted by the State of the Union Address, the last of Hon. George W. Bush as President of the United States before the 110th Congress, in which he predicted that "in the long term, Americans can be confident about their economic growth," though in the immediate term "growth is slowing". In his address, the President appealed to Congress to implement, among others, making permanent his tax relief program, passing legislation to make Americans to keep their homes which were threatened by foreclosures. He further entreated the lawmakers to work with his Administration to break down barriers to trade and investment as well as work towards a successful Doha Rounds of Trade negotiation ; passing legislation that bans unethical practices such as buying, selling or cloning of human life ; and creating lawful means for foreign workers to come to the United States of America to pursue gainful employment and support the economy thereby taking the pressure off the border and allowing law enforcement to concentrate on those who mean America harm. President Bush promised to "deliver justice to the enemies of America" and that defeating the Taliban and al- Qaida was crucial to the nation"s security. On the fight against global poverty, he underscored that America is leading and pointed to instrument such as the 101 Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) which strengthens democracy, transparency and the rule of law in developing countries and further called on Congress to double the initial commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS by providing an additional $30 billon over the next five years. By far, President Bush is credited to have pursued a more robust African policy than any of his predecessors in recent memory. Notably, there are two important phenomena that underpinned the dynamics of politics in the United States. One is the large number of young first time voters who have become extremely active in politics and seem to identify more with the Democrats. Secondly, a new way of campaign fundraising of small amounts from several donors over the internet resulting in massive amounts gave substantial edge to the Democrats in total amounts raised for the election. It is widely noted that Obama"s Campaign was by far superior in tactics, substance and in responding to the challenges of the country than any political campaign in modern history. Whilst most Americans celebrate with majority of the world community the emergence of a new and vibrant leader of the free world in person of President Obama, is faced with the task of restructuring the crumbling economy as the first and top priority of his administration, not to mention the continuing mortgage, banking and energy crisis along with the resultant rise in commodity prices as well as other costs of living malaise. The economy is followed by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, healthcare, terrorism and immigration. Coupled with the enormous socio-economic challenges, there are also the important questions of foreign policy which centre on winning the war against radical Islamic fundamentalism, nuclear proliferation, the Middle East, globalization, free trade and U.S. relations with the rest of the world community. Other domestic concerns include education, taxes, environment and rebuilding of old infrastructures among others. With reference to the international economic situation, forecast of the future remains oblique and difficult times are to be expected as the industrial world led by the United States continues to experience severe economic melt down. In light of these adverse circumstances, the developing world may experience even hasher conditions in the face of 102 dwindling direct foreign investments and other forms of bilateral assistance. Thus, foreign governments are foreworn to prepare for this economic crash landing. Liberia/U. S. Relations The breakthrough that gave rise to the National Transitional Government of Liberia as a result of the Accra Peace Agreement in August 2003, laid the bedrock in the improvement of U. S. /Liberia relations in the post conflict era. The reinvigorated relations between these two traditional allies were further strengthened by the successful presidential and general elections of October 2005, which culminated into the inauguration of the first democratically elected woman President on the African Continent and of Liberia, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Her administration"s aggressive agenda of security sector reform, poverty reduction, restructuring of the infrastructure, economic transformation through fiscal prudence and accountability, stemming down corruption as well as the strict adherence to the rule of law and promotion of good governance and human rights among others, endeared President Johnson Sirleaf to the U. S. administration as a new breed of African leader. With this newly enhanced partnership, the United States has assumed the leading role in Liberia"s recovery and socio-economic development through the restructuring of the Armed Forces of Liberia, debt relief, direct economic and financial assistance and other forms of support that are channelled through U. S. agencies and non- governmental organizations. As a mark of respect and cordial relations subsisting between the two countries and leaders, President Bush invited his counterpart, President Johnson Sirleaf to a White House Summit on International Development in October as a representative of global leaders that is determined to bring democracy and development to her people. The meeting discussed global economic development, good governance as well as the building of democracy around the world. At the Summit, President Johnson Sirleaf delivered an impressive speech on the « Importance of Country Ownership and Good Governance », and underscored, among other things, the relevance of participatory democracy in which the people are involved in 103 basic decision-making of their countries, and warned that in these times of global economic crises, the developed world should resist any temptation to reduce valuable assistance to developing and poor countries, which would be counterproductive to stability, creation of democracies as well as the expansion of economic opportunities around the globe. She gave an overview of Liberia"s progress and challenges and praised the efforts of various leaders in Africa for enunciating prudent fiscal policies that are leading to economic emancipation of their peoples. President Johnson Sirleaf had the distinct honor and opportunity of introducing President Bush at the Summit where she lauded his vigorous Africa policy and noted that partnering with the United States has made a success story of the Liberian situation for which Liberians everywhere are grateful. Establishment of a Satellite Office in Philadelphia During the reporting period, the Embassy, with the approval of the Ministry established a Satellite Office in Philadelphia to coordinate Trade and Investment in the sub-region of Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey, which has witnessed a growing interest from potential investors in Liberia. The Embassy"s move is seen as an aggressive step to attract foreign investments into Liberia, which is a top priority for the government"s development objectives. Liberia Selected for MCC Threshold Program During the period under review, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Board of Directors selected Liberia as being eligible for its threshold program, thereby enabling the country to benefit from grants that are intended for "reform-minded governments". This was a milestone achievement for Liberia as the MCC selects countries for its threshold and compact programs based on 17 indicators to assess candidate countries performance in three areas – ruling justly, investing in people and encouraging economic freedom. The MCC Chief Executive Officer, Ambassador John Danilovich noted that "Over the past several years, Liberia"s performance has improved significantly on many of the MCC 104 eligibility indicators. The Board took note of the strong evidence of Liberia"s commitment to reform that will foster economic growth and poverty reduction". President Johnson Sirleaf noted that the MCC has had a transformative effect across the developing world. Responsible, reform-minded governments have set their sights on the MCC benchmarks, and this has accelerated the pace of reform while empowering governments to make decisions on their own path of development and direction of their future. This stands in stark contrast with a half-century of development policy that saw trillions of dollars invested into Africa, and elsewhere, with shockingly limited returns". IV. The Embassy and the U.S. Congress The cordial relations between Liberia and the United States have permeated the American society in the forms of receptivity and goodwill towards the Liberian Government and people. As such, the United States Congress has continued to be receptive to the Embassy in its quest to promote Liberia"s interest, including but not limited to approval of funds earmarked for economic assistance to the country and the question of legal status for Liberians in the United States of America. The Embassy in association with various Liberian community organizations and friendly groups has continued to pay courtesy visits to interested Congressional delegations, including Rhode Island, Michigan, Minnesota as well as Georgia to keep alive the issue of Permanent Residence for Liberians who are on Deferred Enforcement Departure (DED), which will expire March 31, 2009. In these meetings, it became demonstrably clear that due to the sensitive nature of immigration in the country at this time, and although there is sympathy for humane consideration of the Liberian situation by Congress, it was imprudent particularly during an election year, to bring the matter for discussion before the 110th Congress. It may be recalled that the personal intervention of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in these negotiations at the highest levels was pivotal in the issuance of the 18-month DED by the 105 Bush Administration. Similar appeal was made by President Sirleaf when the two leaders met in the Oval Office in October during the White House Summit on International Development. President Bush at the time agreed in principle that Liberians should not be forced to return home without adequate preparation, particularly when the policies of the Sirleaf administration have not taken root sufficiently to absorb huge number of returnees to Liberia. Moreover, such a move would be counterproductive to U.S. interest and investment in Liberia. Meanwhile, with the election of President Obama and with a Democratic majority in Congress the prospect of extending the DED in March is promising. It should, however, be noted that a lasting solution to the situation is the U.S. Congress enactment of a bill that will grant Permanent Residence to all Liberians concerned. Also during the reporting period, an economic assistance bill, Liberia Seeds Act of 2009, was tabled in the House of Representatives detailing $225 million from FY 2009 through FY 2013 that will seek to provide critical assistance to the country in ensuring that post-war rebuilding efforts result in durable consolidation of peace, lay the groundwork for free market-driven economic growth, national development and poverty reduction, improve governance, security and above all to prevent the recurrence of armed conflict and to protect U. S. investments in Liberia. This bill has been coordinated by Congressman Jessie Jackson, Jr. of Illinois with the alliance of Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California. Embassy and Other U. S. Federal and State Entities As noted supra, the Embassy"s role extends far beyond activities involving the State Department, White House and Congress to include other Federal and State entities. During the month of April, the Embassy participated in the second dialogue held at Airlie House, Warrenton, Virginia which brought together senior African Diplomats and Defence Officials and their United States counterparts on the important question of AFRICOM. Also during the period under review, the Embassy held discussions with USAID concerning the Agency"s scope of operation in Liberia as well as the global food crisis with a view of attenuating the effects. It was intimated to USAID that government removed tariffs on rice 106 imports as a short-term measure to ease the situation, which if not properly managed could engender tension in the country with grave consequences. The meeting identified short-term and long-term measures, including improved regional trade, agricultural research and production, large investment in food production, use of science and technology to boost agricultural production and the establishment of self-sufficiency in food production as an achievable goal. Visits of Senior Government Officials to Washington, D.C. During the period under review, the following senior officials visited the US Capital for official duties. Hon. William V. S. Bull, Principal Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs was a member of the Liberian delegation to the Sixty-third session of the United Nations General Assembly, and paid a working visit to Washington, DC as guest of the US Foreign Service Institute where he held discussions with the Director, Ruth A. Whiteside and was escorted by Ambassador Barnes on. Lawrence Bropleh, Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism was also member of the Liberian delegation to the Sixty-third session of the United Nations General Assembly. He used his visit to brief members of the Liberian communities in Washington, D.C. Metro area, Philadelphia, Atlanta and New York on the progress and challenges facing the government. The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission, Edwin F. Sele who introduced Minister Bropleh at these meetings. 1. The senators of Maryland, Montserrado, Grand Cess and River Gee counties were guests of the US Congress, and had the opportunity to discuss with their US counterparts, and learned of the activities of the various standing committees of the House of Senate. The senators were treated to lunch at the Embassy. Ambassador Charles A. Minor Ends Tour of Duty Following nearly five years as Liberia"s Ambassador to the United States of America, H. E. Charles A. Minor ended a very successful tour of duty on September 15, 2008. It should be recalled that Ambassador Minor was appointed by H. E. Gyude Bryant, Chairman of the National Transitional Government of Liberia in 2004, and was subsequently reappointed by 107 President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2006. The Ministry commends the very significant achievements of his tour of duty. Ambassador M. Nathaniel Barnes Presents Letters of Credence Two days after the departure of Ambassador Minor, H.E. M. Nathaniel Barnes presented his Letters of Credence to Hon. George W. Bush, President of the United States of America as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Liberia to the United States of America on September 17, 2008. Ambassador Barnes moved swiftly with courtesy calls on his colleagues, senior officials of the US Government, Congressional delegations, business executives as well as heads of religious and academic institutions that continue to manifest interests in Liberia"s recovery and development, with a view of strengthening the already cordial and strong bilateral relations existing between the two countries and peoples. Upon taking over as head of the Embassy, Ambassador Barnes underscored the importance of the Liberian Diaspora and the need to involve this important sector of the community in the ongoing recovery and development of the country, particularly the implementation of the government"s Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). It is the Embassy"s desire to tap into the economic and intellectual means of this unique grouping in order to expeditiously harness its potential. The government has already approved the Embassy"s recommendation of establishing a fifteen-member Diaspora Advisory Board that will liaise with the Embassy to achieve its goals. 1. Another important aspect of our Strategic Plan relates to the Focus Document on the Current Deportation of Liberians under INA 212 (a) (2) & INA (a) (2) that was also submitted to government during the reporting period for its inputs and subsequent negotiation with relevant US authorities and agencies. The document involves a critical review of the current method of removal of Liberians and identifies associated problems as well as solutions in the mutual interests of both countries. The current method as perceived by the Embassy constitutes risks to national, regional and international peace and security. 108 2. Additionally, serious efforts are being made to improve the Technology (IT) situation at the Embassy, including the setting-up of a new and updated interactive website, official email addresses for staff members, and computerized data processing of consular services and financial records of the Embassy among others. In the interest of image-building, easy access to information and better productivity, the Embassy has embarked upon creating the appropriate working environment that will reflect the dynamics of the time. Activities of the Embassy These Consular activities witnessed a hundred fold increase in the last three years, due primarily to improvements in the Liberian situation, the increased interactions between Liberia and the United States, and the improved capacity of the Embassy to track all activities and account for them through the use of tamper proof Consular instruments and the adoption of a cross check system so that no one individual is exclusively responsible for all transactions. NECROLOGY In the midst of life is death, and no one is immune to it and the pains it brings to those who have lost their loved ones. But we are always comforted in the knowledge that when we believe and trust, then there is life eternal. During this reporting period, the following former Officials of Government and Prominent Citizens departed our world for the celestial: NAME Honourable Isaac Charyien Nyeplu, Former Minister of Justice & Attorney General, Republic of Liberia Counsellor Lawrence Alford Morgan, Former Senator Grand Bassa County 109 Honourable Kebbeh Ballah Zuku Freeman, Former Member House of the House of Representatives, Montserrado County Honourable James Kla Giko, Former Member and First Deputy Speaker, Transitional Legislative Assembly (TLA) Honourable John D.Lasana, Sr., Stipendiary Magistrate of Arthington City, Montserrado County Honourable Isaac Saye Mussah, Former Vice Chairman of the Second National Transitional Government of Liberia His Excellency Mr. Francis Alphonso Dennis, Sr., Former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Honourable J.Sabato-Wiah, Former Minister Counsellor/Press Attaché Rev. Nathaniel T. Dixon Former Press and Financial Attaché Rev. Dr. Advertus Arthur Hoff, Sr., Former Minister of Education Honourable Nora Lovo Korvah, Former Deputy Minister for Operation, Ministry of Gender & Development Honourable Joseph K. Yourwatei, Sr., Former Deputy Minister for Operation, Ministry of Internal Affairs Honourable Nathaniel Reginald Richardson, Jr., Former Director, Liberian Geological Survey Honourable Frederick Russell Deshield, Sr., Former Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of Information, Culture & Tourism Honourable Ambrose Mohammed Kromah, Former Senior Communication Officer/ Ministry of Commerce & Industry Honourable Julu Mah Johnson, Former Acting Minister of Lands, Mines and Energy Honourable Sewell Telford Prout Brewer,Sr., Former Chief Engineer, Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (LTC) 110 Honourable Oliver Bor-Yee Toe Swen, Sr., Attorney –At_Law, Chief Prosecutor for Government Honourable Jeremiah Bishop Johnson, Sr., Former Development Superintendent, Grand Bassa County Honourable Charles V. Dormeyan, Sr., Former Development Superintendent, Bong County Mother ADA Amorette Phebean Decker Goodings, Former District Supervisor of Schools, Margibi County Honourable Francis Dugbe-Nmeh Pelenah, Sr., Defense Counsel of Grand Kru County Professor Victor –Emmanuel Larteyvi Lawson, Former Chairman, Department of English and Literature, Liberia College, University of Liberia Dr.Arpad L.Foldesi ,Doctor of Medicine (M.D), Former Chief Physician for Gynecology & Obstetrics and General Medicine, Lamco Hospital, Grand Bassa County Mr. Lafayette Henry Montgomery, Sr., Proprietor of Montgomery"s One Hour Oldman Nyan Tokpa Endee, Octagenarian, Nimba County Mr. Christopher Torbor Won, Former Personnel Administrator/John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital Mother Ellen Antoinnette Mars-Melton, Centenarian Mother Mary Deborah Carter-Coleman-Dixon, Centenarian Deaconess Amanda Jane Randall Montgomery, Former Chief Dietician of John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital Mrs. Louise Ether Barnard- Reeves, Former Member of the House of Representatives, Grand Bassa County Mrs. Matee Mardea Cephas-Cooper, 111 Widow of the late Willie G. Cooper, Butler to Former President Mrs. Nancy Esther Chinweh Bright-Knight, Widow of the Late Honourable Joseph Emery Knight Mrs. Farmatta Lucretia James-Snetter, Widow of Former Ambaaaador Charles A. Snetter, Sr. APPENDIX 1 The up-dated list of Executive appointees at the Foreign Ministry for 2008 is as follows: Name Position 1. Olubanke King Akerele Minister/Foreign Affairs 2. William V. S. Bull, Sr. Deputy Minister/Foreign Affairs 3. Johnson N. Gwaikolo Deputy Minister/Administration 4. Conmany B. Wesseh Deputy Minister/ Int" Cooperation and Integration 5. Krubo B. Kollie Deputy Minister/Legal Affairs 6. Edward Dunn Chief of Protocol/RL 7. Francis B.S. Johnson Inspector General of the Foreign Service 112 8. Carlton A. Karpeh Sr. Amb. At-Large 9. Charles J. Hansford Amb. At-Large 10. Trohoe Kparghai Amb. At-Large 11. H.Dan Marias Amb. At-Large 12. Robert Y. Lormia, II Assistant Minister/Foreign Affairs 13. Agnes Kormon Assistant Minister/Administration 14. Marcus Kofa Assistant Minister/American Affairs 15. George Wisner Assistant Minister/Afro Asian Affairs 16. Simeon B. Cole, Jr. Assistant Minister/European Affairs 17. Alphonso S.Nimene Assistant Minister/International Organizations 18. Josephus M. Gray Assistant Minister/Public Affairs 19. Elias Shoniyin Assistant Minister/International Cooperation 20. Tennema S. Deline Director/Passports and Visas APPENDIX 2 HEADS OF LIBERIAN DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS ABROAD 1. His Excellency Ambassador Charles Minor is accredited to the United States of America and Co-accreditations to Canada 2. His Excellency Ambassador M. Nathaniel Barnes is accredited to the Liberian Permanent Mission at the United Nations and Co-accreditations to Cuba 3. His Excellency Ambassador Johnny A. McClain, Sr. is accredited to the Republic of Senegal. 4 His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Al-Hassan Conteh is accredited to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Co-accreditations to Benin, Togo and ECOWAS. 113 5. His Excellency Ambassador Wesley Momo Johnson is accredited to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Co-accredited to the Republic of Ireland. 6. Her Excellency Ambassador Sedia Massaquoi Bangoura is accredited to the Federal Republic of Germany with Co-accreditations to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Austria. 7. Her Excellency Ambassador Lois Lewis Brutus is accredited to the Republic of South Africa with Co-accreditations to the Republics of Botswana, Angola, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia and Swaziland. 8. His Excellency Ambassador D. Mckinley Thomas is accredited to France with Co- accreditations to Switzerland, Greece, Spain and Portugal. 9. His Excellency Ambassador Konah H. Blackett is accredited to the Arab Republic of Egypt with Co-accreditations to Syria, Kuwait, and Jordan. 10. His Excellency Ambassador E. Sumo Jones is accredited to the Republic of Guinea. 11. Her Excellency Ambassador Vivienne T. Wreh is accredited to the Republic of Cote d"Ivoire with Co-accreditations to Burkina Faso and Niger. 12. His Excellency Ambassador Edward G.H. Clinton is accredited to Ethiopia with Co- accreditations to Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the African Union. 13. Her Excellency Ambassador Youngor S. Twlewoda is accredited to the Kingdom of Belgium with concurrent co-accreditations to the Netherlands, Luxembourg and the European Union. 14. His Excellency Ambassador Jarjar Kamara is accredited to Libya with co- accreditations to CENSAD. 15. His Excellency Ambassador Rudolph P. Von Ballmoos is accredited to the Republic of Ghana. 16. Her Excellency Ambassador Rita Sangai Neh Dukuly Tolbert is accredited to the People"s Republic of China 15. His Excellency Ambassador Thomas Brimah is accredited to the Republic of Sierra Leone 16. Mr. Adams S. Bility Charge d"Affaires, Embassy of Liberia in Japan 114 17.Mr. Morieba Sanoe Charge d"Affairs, Embassy of Liberia in the Kingdom of Morocco 18. Mr. William Morris Liberia"s Consulate General/ N"Zerekore APPENDIX III During the year, the 34 Official Gazettes printed were in honour of the following deceased personalities: Hon. James Kla Giko, Former District Education Officer Plebo District, Maryland. Deaconess Amando Jene Randall Montgomery of the Effort Baptist Church, Paynesville, Mrs. Louise Ethel Barnard-Reeves, Fortsville, Grand Bassa County; Former Mayor of the armed Forces of Liberia. Hon. Oliver Bor-yee Toe Swen, Sr. BBA, Attorney-at-Law; 115 Hon. Nathaniel Reginald Richardson, Jr. BSC, MSC, PHD, Former President, Liberian-Mining Company (LIMINCO) Mother Mary Deborah Carter-Coleman-Dixon D.G.B.H.O.A.R. Hon. Ambrose Mohammed Kromah, K,C,H.C.A.R. Former Senior Community Officer, Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Mrs. Matee Mrdea Cephas Cooper Butler to the former President of Liberia H.E. Edwin J. Barclay. Hon. Sewell Telford Prout Brewer.Sr. Former Chief Engineer. Mother ADA Amorette Thebean Decker Gooding, BSC, CSA. Former District Supervisor of Schools for Margibi County, Ministry of Education. Mother Ellen Amorette Mars-Melton Centerarina, Humanitarian Mr. Christopher Torbor Won, Former Chief Clerk, Bureau of the Civil Service Agency. Hon. Isaac Saye Mussah, Former Vice Chairman of the Council of State, National Transitional Government of Liberia Rev. Nathaniel T. Dixon, Former Press and Financial Attaché, Liberian Embassy, Freetown, Sierra Leone Hon. Julu Mah Johnson, BSC, MSC. Assistant Minister for Lands, Survey and Cartography; Hon. Isaac Chariyieu Nyeplu, LLB, Former Minister of justice & Attorney General, Republic of Liberia Hon. John D. Lassana, Sr. Stipendiary Magistrate of Artington City, Montserrado. Hon. Francis Dugbe-Nweh Pelerah, Sr. LLB Defense Counsel of Grounnd Kru County Mrs. Nancy Esther Chinwag Bright-Knight widow of the late Hon. Joseph Energy Knight, Former Liberian Ambassador to the Republic of France Clls. Lawrence Alford Morgan BA, LLB, LLB,KC, KGB Hon. J. Salute Wiah, Administer Counsellor/Press Attaches 116 Both Bureaux received and expedited the printing and processing of thirty seven (37) Acts from the Legislature. 1. An Act approving the Supplementary budget for the fiscal July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008 providing for the operation of the Government of the Republic of Liberia. 2. An Act to amend the new penal code chapter 14, Section 14.70 and 14.7 and to provide for Gang Rape. 3. An Act to Ratify Convention of 1993 on prohibiting the Development production stockpiling and use of chemical weapons and on their Destruction. 4. An Act to amend Section 1 of an Act fixing the day for the annual adjournment of the Legislature of the Republic of Liberia. 5. An Act Ratifying the investment Agreement made and entered into by the Government of Liberia and Novel Liberia, INC. 6. An Act to Ratify the comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Bar Treaty (CTBT). An act Amending Title 17 of the Revised code of Laws of Liberia, known as the Judiciary Law of 1972 by adding thereto a new chapter to be known as chapter 25 establishing criminal Court "E" of the first Judicial Circuit, Industrial Property Act of Liberia An Act to prohibit the use of Tobacco products in Public places and the sale and use of Tobacco and Tobacco products by persons under the age of 18 years. An Act to Repeal the Act creating the Bureau of the Budget of March 20, 1953 and to amend the new Executive Law. Chapter 21 creating the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Liberia and adding thereto sections 21.10. An Act to ban trafficking person within the Republic of Liberia. An Act to repeal the National Defence Laws of 1956, the Coast guard Act of 1986 and to establish the New National Defence Act of 2008. An Act Ratifying the Concession Agreement between the Republic of Liberia and LIBINC oil palm Inc. An act Ratifying the Amended and restated concession Agreement between the Republic of Liberia and Firestone Liberia INC. 117 An Act Ratifying the Agreement between the Republic of Liberia and Liberia Forest Products INC. An Act Ratifying the concession Agreement between the Members of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States of the One part, and the European Community and its members States of the other Party. An Act incorporating the Grand Bassa College and Grant it a Charter. An Act to Ratify the IMO International Convention on Salvage 1989 An Act to Ratify United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 An Act to Ratify the convention on the International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT), 1976 as amended. An Act to Ratify the International Convention for the safety of fishing vessels. An Act to Ratify the Protocol on Preparedness, Response and Cooperation of Pollution Incident by Hazardous and Noxious substances 2000. An Act to Ratify the International Convention on control of Harmful Antifouling Systems on Ships, 2001. An act to Ratify the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 Articles 1-22. An Act to Ratify the Protocol 1995 to amend the convention on Limitation of Liability for Maritime claims 1976. An Act to Ratify the MLC Maritime Labour convention of 2006. An Act to Ratify the International Convention of Liability and Compensation for damage in connection with the carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by sea 1996. An Act to Ratify the WHO framework Convention on Tobacco Control. An Act to establish the National Bureau of Veterans Affairs. An Act to implement the Convention on the Production Stockpiling and use of Chemical Weapons and on their destruction to which Liberia is a party. An Act Ratifying the Production Sharing Contract with Addendum for offshore Liberia LB-16 and 17 signed between the Republic of Liberia represented by the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) AND REPSOL Exploring S.A. 118 An Act ratifying the Production Sharing Contract with Addendum for offshore Liberia Blocks LB-15 signed between the Republic of Liberia represented by the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) and Woodside West Africa. PTY LTD. An Act to amend section 2212 of Revenue Code of Liberia Act of 2000. 119
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posted: | 1/10/2011 |
language: | English |
pages: | 119 |