LIBERIA - ICGL MEETING OF AUGUST 31

UNCLAS MONROVIA 001109 SIPDIS SIPDIS AF/W AOKEDIJI, DBANKS INR/AA FOR BGRAVES E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PINR PREL KPKO LI SUBJECT: LIBERIA - ICGL MEETING OF AUGUST 31 REF: MONROVIA 1071 1.(U) SUMMARY: The International Contact Group for Liberia (ICGL) met with representatives of the Liberian legislature for an update on legislative issues and the bribery allegations dating back to the early 2007 manuevering to oust Edwin Snowe from Speaker of the House. The legislators raised the asset freeze aspect of the Anti-Corruption bill and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's mandate. President Pro Tempore Nyenboe, Speaker Tyler, head of the Senate Judiciary Committee Cherue and Representative Saydee represented the Legislature. END SUMMARY. -------------- Legislators on the Defense -------------- 2.(U) The legislators explained that although there had been little legislation passed so far this year, they plan to work on approximately 15 bills during the final month of the extended session (REFTEL). -- The Anti-Corruption Bill had just been received by the legislature. Senator Cherue said the asset-freeze section of this bill would make it difficult to pass because of constitutional implications, adding that Liberia already has laws on the books that allow the government to seize assets. -- The Law Reform Bill has not yet been received by the Legislature. (NOTE: We understand the draft is in the final stages of review by the executive, and will be submitted to the legislature when it reconvenes in January. END NOTE) -- The Financial Autonomy Bill was vetoed on constitutional grounds by the President. President Sirleaf advised the legislature of her reasons beforehand but Senate President pro Tempore Nyenboe stated the legislature will still press for establishment a congressional budget office in order to give advice on the budgets. 3.(U) Regarding allegations that the President bribed members of the legislature to remove Edwin Snowe as Speaker of the House in early 2007, Speaker Tyler stated the Judiciary Committee cannot investigate if people alleging the bribery do not come forward with the information. The ICGL suggested that the evidence is in the public record (newspaper articles) and the Judiciary Committee does not need the allegations to be repeated in order to investigate. If necessary, they could issue subpoenas. The ICGL also suggested that moving forward in a systematic way, e.g., adopting a code of conduct, would help reassure the public that the legislature is serious about accountability. -------------- Legislators on the Offensive -------------- 4.(U) The legislators expressed their own concerns to the ICGL: -- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's ambiguous mandate was raised as a reason for tepid public support. They thought the lack of clarity about possible prosecution was discouraging ex-combatants from testifying before the TRC. -- The Governance and Economic Management Assistance Program (GEMAP) has been a success. They praised GEMAP's effectiveness in bringing public finances into better order and urged it be extended to protect progress so far. ICGL members responded that although the legislature could issue a non-binding resolution in support of GEMAP, extending its scope would require funding from donors and agreement from the executive branch. 5.(U) COMMENT: The tension between the legislative and executive branches has eased, but could ratchet up when the debates begin over controversial bills discussed above. END COMMENT Booth