President Sirleaf Holds Bilateral Talks With US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs

Monday, 1st February 2010

Monrovia, Liberia - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Saturday held bilateral discussions with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Mr. Johnnie Carson, in the Ethiopian capital. The talks between President Sirleaf and the State Department official focused on Liberia’s development agenda and United States support in achieving these goals.

President Sirleaf praised the United States for remaining supportive of Liberia’s reconstruction programs. The Liberian leader spoke of progress in meeting some of the basic needs of the Liberian people, despite the difficult economic challenges which have been compounded by the global financial meltdown. The situation, the President noted, has affected the implementation of programs in critical areas in the “Lift Liberia” Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). The President spoke specifically about unemployment in the country and its potential to undermine the gains made over the years. She said now that the financial situation has stabilized, she is hopeful that investment activities, put on hold during the financial crisis, will resume.  

Assistant Secretary of State Carson assured the President Sirleaf of his Government’s continued support in addressing the challenges facing Liberia. The United States, he said, is impressed with the progress Liberia is making and will continue to provide the necessary support to help the country reap the dividends of peace.

Also on Saturday, the Liberian President received in audience the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, Mr. Lawrence Cannon, and the Chief Executive Officer of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), Dr. Ibrahim Assane Mayaki.

In a related development, President Johnson Sirleaf held discussions with the President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda.  The two Presidents discussed possible areas of collaboration to strengthen the already cordial ties between their two countries.  

The meeting between the two Presidents was preceded by discussions between the Liberian President and the Foreign Minister of Niger, Madam Aichatou Mindaoudou.  The Mano River Union Chairperson, serving as an ECOWAS representative, is also mediating in the political situation in Niger.

With the Liberian President serving as Chairperson at Monday’s session, the AU Heads of State and Government are continuing their deliberations behind closed doors. During the morning session, the Heads of State adopted the Union’s budget for the 2010 financial year. Members of the Peace and Security Council were also appointed.  The leaders are also considering several reports, including the Report of the Commission on the Implementation of Previous Decisions of the Executive Council and the Assembly; the Report on the Peace and Security Council on its activities and the State of Peace and Security in Africa; as well as the Report of the Commission on Unconstitutional Changes of Government.

Monday’s session, which is expected to run well into the night, is also expected to consider the Report of the Commission on the African Year of Peace and Security; the Report of the Chairperson of NEPAD Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee; and the Report of the Chairperson of the Committee of Ten on the UN Reforms.

Day 3 of the 14th AU Summit will, in closed session, adopt decisions of the 16th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, and adopt decisions and declarations of the 14th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union. The leaders are also expected to discuss other issues arising from previous or current deliberations and decide a date and venue of the 15th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union.

The Summit ends Tuesday with a closing ceremony, followed by a press conference hosted by the Chairperson of the Union and the Chairperson of the Commission.

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