MONROVIA, February 27 (LINA) - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has told U.S. Congressional leaders and members that Liberia is ‘back in business.’
“We have only come to say thank you on behalf of the Liberian people and in my own name for all that you have done for us, especially when we cried out for help and you responded in no small measure,” President Sirleaf stressed during various meetings with leaders of both sides of the U.S. Congress Thursday.
She pointed out that the Liberian Government was glad that kids are now back in school, markets are buzzing again, the borders have reopened and the restriction on people’s movement are lifted.
The Liberian leader also indicated that most importantly, the spirits of Liberians are lifted and reignited in hope and that the country was now back to the business of development.
The Liberian leader informed the U.S. Congressional leaders about the current state of the Ebola fight and about the country’s post-Ebola recovery plan, and sought the U.S. Government’s full support for Liberia’s recovery process now that Ebola is being contained.
For his part, Senator Chris Coons noted that Liberia deserves the support of the United States of America.
The influential Delaware Senator, who is a ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, assured President Sirleaf that Congress will ensure that Liberia’s situation gets better.
The Senators and Representatives who met the Liberian President pledged to use their respective offices, influence and power to give Liberia the needed support to move the country from the fringes of Ebola to a plain of sustained recovery and development.
The need for sustainable electrical power for Liberia under the Power Africa Program was echoed by Senator Coons, Representative Ed Royce and other Congressional leaders who met President Sirleaf.
“Power is of critical importance to Liberia’s recovery process. All the developmental processes in Liberia are hinged on the provision of sustainable energy supply and we are committed to helping Liberia meet this important goal,” Congressman Royce emphasized.
He said rebuilding the healthcare system and health infrastructure are also critical to efforts aimed at helping Liberia recover from the impact of the Ebola virus disease.
LINA TSS/PTK