US applauds Liberian progress
2004-04-21 10:18
Washington - The White House on Tuesday welcomed progress toward stability in Liberia while stressing there was still much more work to be done.
"The United States welcomes the recent progress in Liberia. Despite difficult circumstances, Chairman (Gyude) Bryant and his government have been performing well in an effort to move forward important reforms for the people of Liberia," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said in a statement.
"We applaud the elimination of oil and rice monopolies, the payment of salaries, consolidation of revenue collections into a Central Bank, and efforts to crack down on corruption and fiscal mismanagement," he added.
The White House also welcomed the deployment by the United Nations of 15 000 "blue helmets" in Liberia and supported plans and preparations to disarm, demobilise, reintegrate and assist former fighters.
"The United States recognises, however, that these are only the first steps on the long and difficult road to a permanent stability and recovery in Liberia, and a considerable amount of work remains to be done," McClellan added.
"To remain on the current path, all parties must maintain their dedication to peaceful reconciliation and honour faithfully their commitments to the Accra Peace Accord," he said.