Monrovia – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has acknowledged the impressive partnership between Liberia and Carter Center, noting that the American institution has been a great friend to Liberia and its people.
The Liberian leader made the commendation on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 when she received in audience the Chief Executive Officer of Carter Center, Retired Ambassador Mary Ann Peters, at her Foreign Ministry Office in Monrovia.
Madam Peters, who is on a week-long visit to Liberia as guest of Carter Center Liberia Office, led a 7-member delegation to the office of President Sirleaf at the Foreign Ministry in Monrovia.
According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf welcomed the delegation to Liberia and assured that her government was keen on helping to make their mission to Liberia a success.
President Sirleaf informed the Carter Center CEO that these were important times for the Liberian nation and people, stressing the importance of the support of Liberia’s partners during the electoral and transition processes.
“These are very important times and I am committed to getting everything right.”
“I am also sure that our political leaders, civil society, partners and all others are resolved to getting it right for the sake of Liberia,” President Sirleaf noted.
The Liberian leader indicated that consistent with the Farmington River Declaration, the Government of Liberia and all of the political actors will ensure not just free, fair, credible and transparent elections, but one that is very peaceful, violence-free to consolidate the democratic gains of the country.
Key Liberian government officials including the Ministers of Justice, Health and Internal Affairs, provided insights on their partnership with Carter Center and commended the Center for being a true friend to Liberia and its people.
In remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Carter Center thanked President Sirleaf for the audience and provided an update on her mission to Liberia. She lauded the long-term partnership between Liberia and Carter Center, which she described as rewarding and fruitful.
She pointed out that Carter Center is keen on observing the General and Presidential Elections in Liberia, but will remain focused on its many projects, including the Mental Health Program, Access to Justice Program, Access to Information Program, Peacebuilding Program and program on identifying triggers or indicators of violence.
She commended the Liberia National Police for its commitment to neutrality, maturity, professionalism and fairness thus far in handling security towards the 2017 elections.
Ambassador Peters also highlighted some of the many issues affecting women and girls and pledged to work with the government in tackling them.
Also making remarks, Carter Center Liberia Chief of Party, Pewee Flomoku and Access to Information Lead Person, Thomas Doe Nah provided updates on interventions the Center has made in addressing hurdles identified in line with their respective programs.
They acknowledged the cooperation of the government in enhancing their interventions.
Other members of Ambassador Peters’ delegation include Dr. Dean Sienko, Vice President for Health; Dr. Eve Byrd, Director of Mental Health; Meaghan Fitzgerald, Mission Director, International Election Observation Mission; Pewee Flomoku, Chief of Party, Carter Center Liberia; Dr. Janice Cooper, Project Lead, Mental Health Program; Thomas Doe Nah, Project Lead Person, Access to Information, Carter Center Liberia and Sarah Yoss.
