Press Release
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 received 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 weeklong visit to Liberia as guest of Carter Center Liberia Office led a 7-Member delegation on the visit to the Liberian Presidency.
According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf acknowledged the impressive partnership between Liberia and Carter Center, noting that the American institution has been a great friend to Liberia and its people. She welcomed the delegation to Liberia and assured that her government was keen in helping to make the mission to Liberia a success.
President Sirleaf informed the CEO of Cater Center 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 transitional 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 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.
Also speaking, Retired Ambassador Mary Ann Peters, Chief Executive Officer of Carter Center thanked President Sirleaf for the audience and provided 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 project including the Mental Health Program, Assess to Justice Program, Assess to Information Program, Peacebuilding Program and program on identifying triggers or indicators for violence.
She commended the Liberia National Police for its commitment to neutrality, maturity, professionalism and fairness thus far in handling security towards to 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 same.
Also making remarks, 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 program. 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, Liberia; Dr. Janice Cooper, Project Lead, Mental Health Program; Thomas Doe Nah, Project Lead Person – Access to Information and Sarah Yoss.
