Mrs Bush on the way to Liberia
04/01/2006 20:33  - (SA)  

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Peace a priority for Weah Sirleaf seeks role for rival Sirleaf a 'beacon of hope' Africa's 1st female leader wins Sirleaf takes 59.4% of vote She's the man Sirleaf poised to win elections

Washington - President George W Bush's wife, Laura, will travel to Liberia to attend the January 16 inauguration of Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the first female president elected in Africa, announced the White House on Wednesday.

Scott McClellan of the White House said Mrs Bush would lead a delegation from the United States that also included secretary of state Condoleezza Rice.

Johnson-Sirleaf, a former finance minister and veteran of Citibank and the United Nations, won a run-off election in November against soccer superstar George Weah.

She said in her acceptance speech that she would end the period of corrupt, male-dominated rule in war-plagued Liberia.

Commitment to democracy

Liberia was Africa's oldest republic, founded in 1847 by freed American slaves. The country was still reeling from a brutal 1989-2003 civil war that left 200 000 dead.

McClellan said: "This delegation reflects the president's continued commitment to democracy and supporting countries making the difficult transition from war to peace, and from tyranny to liberty.

"The United States looks forward to working with the new president and the people of Liberia to rebuild their institutions, establish stability and prosperity, and create an environment for reconciliation."

Johnson-Sirleaf visited Washington last month to meet with US officials.

- AP

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