(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

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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."

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