New York, Sep 24 2010 5:10PM
Tackling corruption and mismanagement represents the greatest challenge that Liberia faces as it continues to rebuild its economy and society after the United Nations helped it end decades of either civil war or misrule, the country's President <"http://gadebate.un.org/View/SpeechView/tabid/85/smid/411/ArticleID/131/reftab/227/t/Liberia/Default.aspx">told the General Assembly today.
Addressing the second day of the annual debate, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said Liberia had introduced a code of conduct for public service staff, new procurement and financial management systems and strengthened "the pillars of integrity, all aimed at addressing long-standing corruption."
But more measures are needed to combat corruption in the impoverished West African nation, she said in a speech at UN Headquarters in New York.
"Reform of the judicial system and efforts to change an inherited value system are additional measures that are under way."
Ms. Johnson Sirleaf also cited cross-border crimes in West Africa, particularly human trafficking and the illicit drug trade, as another key threat to Liberia's redevelopment.
"We also continue to face the tensions associated with the thousands of our youth who, lacking skills, are still unemployed," she noted. "Moreover, we continue today to manage the raised expectations in the demand from villages and communities across the country for essential infrastructure such as roads, schools and clinics."
Last week the Security Council extended the mandate of the UN Mission in Liberia (<"http://unmil.org/">UNMIL) by another year and authorized the peacekeeping force to provide support to the Government for the staging of presidential and legislative elections next year.
Ms. Johnson Sirleaf said the polls "will mark a groundbreaking turning point. It will complete Liberia's transition to full constitutional rule and participatory democracy… it is absolutely essential that everything is done to ensure a peaceful, legitimate and transparent process."
She stressed that "the root cause of civil crisis in Liberia has been the consistent failure of democratic transitions which would usher in governments elected by the people."
But she also emphasized that the country has made substantial progress since the end of its civil war in 2003, such as reform to its security sector, the establishment of a vibrant environment for free expression and association, and the attraction of investment in mining, agriculture and forestry industries.
"Liberia has no prisoners of conscience in detention, nor does anyone have cause to flee in fear for their life or safety on account of their political belief and association," the President said.
Sep 24 2010 5:10PM
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