(U) LIBERIAN PRESIDENT JOHNSON SIRLEAF VISITS

UNCLAS LONDON 004033 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/W E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EAID EFIN LI UK SUBJECT: (U) LIBERIAN PRESIDENT JOHNSON SIRLEAF VISITS LONDON (U) SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED; NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION. ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's visit to London May 29-31 reflects the UK's increased commitment to Liberia as a key to stability in the sub-region. She met with the Queen, Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn and FCO Minister for Africa Lord Triesman, and spoke at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The UK is satisfied for now with Johnson Sirleaf's political will to improve governance, given the "weight of history" and the difficult conditions she inherited. Implementation of Liberia's Governance and Economic Management Program will be the litmus test. Bilateral aid is likely to continue at the same level (7 million Pounds Sterling, about 13 million U.S. dollars),but with the emphasis moving from humanitarian to development programs. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) According to FCO West Africa Section Head Jason Moore, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's visit to London May 29-31 reflects the UK's increased interest and commitment in Liberia as a key to stability in the sub-region, particularly given Britain's major investment in next-door Sierra Leone. Africa's first elected female president had an audience with the Queen and meetings with Secretary of State for International Development Hilary Benn SIPDIS and FCO Minister for Africa Lord Triesman. Her Minister of Planning Dr. Toga Macintosh had a day of parallel meetings organized by the Department for International Development (DFID, Benn's department). Benn told the President Britain was willing to support Liberia as it works through the Heavily-Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt-relief process. Johnson Sirleaf asked for help in reforming the judiciary. The UK is open to supporting anti-corruption but is hampered for now by the lack of an agreed strategy within the Liberian Government. Bilateral issues discussed included migration and the UK's desire to avoid premature lifting of sanctions. The British did suggest to Johnson Sirleaf that she needs to spend more time in Liberia and less jetting around the globe, but she insisted one of her core functions is to maintain international support, which requires extensive travel. ¶3. (SBU) Moore told Poloff afterwards that HMG is satisfied for now with Johnson Sirleaf's political will to improve governance, given the "weight of history" and the difficult conditions she inherited. Implementation of Liberia's Governance and Economic Management Program (GEMAP) will be the UK's litmus test; progress to date looks good on paper, but the real test -- and difficult challenge -- will be implementation. FCO and DFID staff are recommending that bilateral aid continue at the same level (7 million Pounds Sterling, approximately 13 million US dollars),but with a shift in emphasis from humanitarian to development programs. Moore was confident the recommendation would be approved. ¶4. (U) Johnson Sirleaf used a May 31 address to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London to describe her key priorities: establishing a sustainable peace and stability, educating youth whose schooling was interrupted by war, rebuilding infrastructure, and reforming the civil service. She outlined the country's natural resources and said there was "no excuse" for Liberia not to be prosperous, but she noted that with the economy in ruins, Liberia would need the support of its "development partners." Land use and other allocations of resources needed reform. She also noted the imperative of eradicating corruption among civil servants and politicians. Leaders need to show competence, integrity, courage, and focus, she said. Johnson Sirleaf asserted that her election as Africa's first female president "broke the glass ceiling and sent a message that an alternative leadership style was wanted on the continent." Her government, she said, is committed to rule of law, protection of human rights and dignity, and free competition in a "secure environment of endeavor." Making a scathing contrast with the generation of leaders who followed the "post-colonial, post-apartheid" generation, Johnson Sirleaf said a new generation of African leaders was emerging that is committed to peace, democracy, and development. ¶5. (U) One of the key objectives of her government, she said, is "liquidating the Imperial Presidency" legacy left by Charles Taylor. Asked what support the international community should provide to the process of bringing Taylor to justice, Johnson Sirleaf smiled and said the international community "should do its duty." Visit London's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/london/index. cfm Tuttle