Liberia's President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is reaching out to her countrymen to move the nation forward following her election to a second term this month. She is promising to involve her political rivals in her government following a landslide victory in the November 8th runoff. The election was an important milestone on the West African country's path toward democratic reconciliation. It also provides the opportunity to build on gains in rebuilding the nation after 14 years of civil war that left heavily damaged both its infrastructure and economy.
The United States congratulates the Liberian people for exercising their right to vote in both the presidential and legislative elections. We also congratulate President Sirleaf and we will continue to work with her and all elected officials to advance democracy and promote peace and prosperity.
The pre-election violence on November 7 at an opposition rally marred what was an otherwise peaceful, fair and transparent process. We thus welcome the creation of a Special Independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the incident. We urge all political parties to respect the election results and resolve their differences peacefully.
The United States is a long standing friend of the Liberian people and we are committed to their future. Congratulations on this momentous occasion.
Liberia's Important Milestone
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is promising to involve her political rivals in her government.
