"Liberia is Moving Foward" - President Sirleaf

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed hopes that the UN peace keeping force will remain in her country until local security forces can be properly trained and professionalized.

President Sirleaf (left) and US Senator Hillary Clinton

Her comments were contained in a documentary, by Swedish journalist Malou von Sivers, aired on Swedish channel TV4 Thursday night.

But the president added that security will be actually achieved if the government can respond properly to the needs of the people.

Providing social services and jobs are two vital areas, she added.

Mrs. Sirleaf, the first female to ever be elected to the highest office in an African country, hinted positively that Liberia is moving forward “out of the shadow of the past.”

She said the country has formed a truth and reconciliation commission to aid the process of healing after more than a decade of civil conflict.

“This process of truth does not lead to punishment. It is about reconciliation and forgiveness,” she noted.

Liberia was put into a situation where many of its young people were subjected to untold cruelty; where many were forced to commit atrocities, the president said and added that it is now time to get the country moving again.

We have the opportunity to get the country back on course, correct the mistakes of the past and give the young people a better future, she added.

The film: Rita and Rufus- Liberian child soldiers, chronicled the experiences of the two former soldiers who were torn apart from the families at tender ages to fight for one of the country’s warring factions.

It also highlighted programs that the Red Cross is running to help them, and more than a hundred others, regain sanity.

Liberians to celebration Independence Day in Belgium

The European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA) is preparing a grand July 26 Independence Day celebration and a mini conference on the 27^th and 28^th of July in Brussels, Belgium.

For the past years, Liberian organizations across European states have been celebrating the Independence Day all by themselves, a release issued by the federation’s president Elvis G. Morris pointed out.

EFLA President Elvis G. Morris

“2007 is the year of unity and solidarity and in this light; EFLA is setting aside these two days for all Liberians and friends of Liberia around Europe to join hands in celebrating our 160^th Independence.

“This occasion will also prepare the Liberian European diaspora for its first ever international conference which will take place in September 2007 in Paris, France.

“The theme of the conference is “War- Torn West Africa: Emerging from Humanitarian Assistance to Political and Economical Reconstruction” in collaboration with the University of Bretagny, France.

“The aim of the international conference is: to provide practical recommendations to the international community on effective reconstruction processes for West African countries emerging from civil conflict.

“The activities over the two days aim to celebrate diversity and promote understanding between Liberians living in the Diaspora will include literary and theatre performances, sports events, music and food. Major attractions of this program will include a mini-Liberian conference and a ball.

“The European Federation of Liberian Association is a legally registered Belgian based federation comprising the network of Liberian Associations in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Luxemburg, Switzerland, the United Kingdom as well as the Kingdom of Belgium.

“The European federation of Liberian Associations has not only been one of the most dynamic group of Liberians in the Diaspora, but has also been a hub for providing diplomatic and civil support, resource information, social activities for Liberians home and abroad.

Mr. Morris called on all Liberian associations, organizations and friends of Liberia to be present.

“We hope this information will meet your timely intervention as members of the European Federation of Liberian Associations appreciate your support and would like to thank you in advance. Complete information regarding these events will be sent out in due course. Don’t hesitate to send you comments, suggestion and contribution for the kind of activities you may like to happen as part of the programs,” the release concluded.

For "Conflict of Interest" World Bank Presiedent Caught in the Web, Resigns

Mr. Wolfowitz was engulfed in a controversy after revelations that he gave his girlfriend, Shaha Riza, a pay raise. She later left the organization to take up employment with the US State Department.

Mr. Wolfowitz Ms. Riza

After his appointment in 2005, Mr. Wolfowitz, a former US deputy defence secretary, informed the bank about a potential conflict of interest due to his relationship with Ms. Riza, a communication advisor at the bank.

He proposed that she be moved to the state department with a pay and position increase in line with her prospects at the bank.

Announcing the decision recently, Mr. Wolfowitz said he was sorry for a painful and personal dilemma.

It became impossible for him to stay at his position after the bank’s governors questioned his ability to lead.

The world Bank in Washington DC

But his supporters said the melee was an excuse used by his detractors to get rid of him.

They said his fight against corruption and stance that aid to poor countries should hinge on good governance hit the wrong nerves.

US President George Bush, who had earlier maintained that Wolfowitz would keep his post, accepted the resignation with reluctance. The US will later appoint a replacement.

However, some are opting for the next president to be chosen on merit not nationality. Traditionally, the US, as the bank’s biggest contributor, appoints the president.

Emmanuel Zodia Chelleh Takes Wife in Sweden- See Pictures

Not too long ago, US-based Liberian Emmanuel Zodia Chelleh returned home to tie the knots with his beautiful bride. We bring you some photos from that wonderful ceremony in Monrovia, Liberia.

Bishop Innis in Sweden for Conference

The Rev. Dr. John Innis, Bishop of the United Methodist Church of Liberia is one of several guests attending the annual conference of the Methodist Church in Sweden.

Bishop Innis

The conference is being held in Norrkoping. It began on May 16 is expected to end on Sunday, the 20th.

Bishop Innis will perform some important functions during the conference which has at its theme: The Spring of Living Water.