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| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07MONROVIA1012 |
LIBERIA: REPORTS OF ARMS CACHES - MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING [...] (U) Recently there have been a slew of headlines in Liberian papers and in some international dailies on "arms caches" being discovered in Liberia and weapons being delivered through the airport. The press accounts have also linked the discoveries of the alleged arms and weapons deliveries to [...] |
2007-08-15 17:28:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC PGOV MCAP LI |
| 07MONROVIA1033 |
LIBERIA: REQUEST FOR AIRPORT SURVEY AND ASSISTANCE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Since signing an Open Skies agreement with the United States in February 2007, the Government of Liberia (GOL) is eager to initiate direct air service between the United States and Liberia. However, the security, safety, systems, and immigration shortfalls at the Robertsfiel [...] |
2007-08-22 17:01:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON PGOV FAA LI |
| 07MONROVIA1070 |
LIBERIA: FISHERIES SECTOR UPDATE [...] SUMMARY: Liberia's fisheries sector is seeking to improve regulatory oversight and enhance monitoring and surveillance capacity following years of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities that have damaged the fishing industry and raided Liberia's abundant marine resources. Des [...] |
2007-09-04 17:06:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIS ECON ETRD ASEC EAID PGOV LI |
| 07MONROVIA1071 |
LIBERIA: LEGISLATURE DELAYS RECESS TO ADDRESS CRUCIAL [...] SUMMARY: The Liberian National Legislature has delayed its annual "agricultural break" by one month, to September 30, at the request of the President in order to deliberate several bills introduced at the end of the regular session. Bills before the Senate include acts to create a Legislative [...] |
2007-09-05 09:43:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV KDEM ECON LI |
| 07MONROVIA1085 |
LIBERIA: FORMER FOREIGN MINISTER MATTHEWS AND TWO OTHER [...] Veteran Liberian politician and former Foreign Minister Gabriel Bacchus Matthews died September 7, 2007 at a hospital in Monrovia. Regarded as "the father of multi-party democracy" in Liberia, he fell in and out of favor with successive Liberian leaders. The GOL is expected to announce a state [...] |
2007-09-13 13:08:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PINR PGOV PHUM LI |
| 07MONROVIA1090 |
LIBERIA: FORESTRY / TIMBER SECTOR UPDATE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Liberian Forestry Development Authority (FDA) has missed key deadlines in the chain of deliverables necessary for the resumption of commercial logging in Liberia. Much of the legal framework for the forestry sector is in place and the FDA has made substantial strides towar [...] |
2007-09-13 14:35:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR PGOV EINV EAID SENV LI |
| 07MONROVIA1109 |
LIBERIA - ICGL MEETING OF AUGUST 31 [...] No summary [...] |
2007-09-19 15:51:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PINR PREL KPKO LI |
| 07MONROVIA1135 |
LIBERIA: RESULTS REPORT: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE KIMBERLEY [...] SUMMARY: UN Sanctions on the Liberian diamond sector were lifted in April of this year following the Kimberley Process 3rd Expert Review Mission findings that Liberia met the minimum requirements of the KPCS. The mission report detailed further preparations necessary to ensure that internal con [...] |
2007-09-27 16:36:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN ECON PGOV EAID LI |
| 07MONROVIA1139 |
LIBERIA: RELATIONS WITH SIERRA LEONE INCREASINGLY WARM [...] (SBU) Summary: Sierra Leonean President Ernest Koroma used the opportunity of his first official visit to Liberia to strengthen ties between the neighboring democracies. End Summary. 2. (U) On his first foreign trip since taking office, Sierra Leone's newly-elected President Ernest Bai Ko [...] |
2007-09-28 15:51:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINR SL LI |
| 07MONROVIA1181 |
DEMARCHE: POSSIBLE AFRICOM SITE [...] (S) As instructed in reftel, Ambassador contacted President Sirleaf on October 5 to confirm whether or not Liberia is still interested in being considered as a possible host country for AFRICOM. President Sirleaf confirmed without any hesitation that Liberia remains enthusiastically intereste [...] |
2007-10-05 16:53:00 | Embassy Monrovia | SECRET | MARR PREL LI |
| 07MONROVIA1190 |
LIBERIA: GRAPPLING WITH THE ELECTRICITY SECTOR [...] SUMMARY: Easing the dire shortage and addressing the cost of electricity is a top priority of Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's government but balancing speed with a prudent strategy is a challenge. The GOL believes the best solution is developing Liberia's abundant hydroelectric pot [...] |
2007-10-10 10:08:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG EINV EAID LI |
| 07MONROVIA1201 |
LIBERIA: AGOA COUNTRY ELIGIBILITY RECOMMENDATIONS 2008 [...] Following is the text of Embassy Monrovia's AGOA recommendations. The text has also been e-mailed to AF/EPS and USTR. Country: LIBERIA Current AGOA Status: Eligible Country Background Summary: Liberia has a government that was democratically elected in multi-party elections in October/N [...] |
2007-10-12 07:06:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD LI |
| 07MONROVIA1210 |
LIBERIA: IN TEST OF SEPARATION OF POWERS, AUDITOR GENERAL [...] (U) SUMMARY. Auditor General John S. Morlu, III took the Liberian Senate to the Supreme Court over a LD$4,999.99 (less than US$100) fine the Senate imposed on him for refusing to obey an order to reinstate 78 employees dismissed by the General Auditing Commission (GAC). In response, the Supr [...] |
2007-10-12 13:34:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM ELAB LI |
| 07MONROVIA1293 |
LIBERIA: REHABILITATING A TROUBLED BUT PROPITIOUS MARITIME [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Liberian maritime sector has a unique and vibrant past, but years of war and neglect have taken a toll on the fishing industry (ref A), the port (ref B), and overall maritime control and security inside Liberia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Although Liberia's U.S.-based [...] |
2007-10-29 10:58:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EWWT EFIS PHSA SENV LI |
| 07MONROVIA1297 |
LIBERIA PLANS TO INCREASE MANO RIVER UNION COOPERATION [...] SUMMARY: Liberia has assumed the chairmanship of the Mano River Union (MRU) and will promote economic integration in addition to the traditional focus on security. The GOL plans to encourage Cote d'Ivoire to become a full member of the union, and will propose a free trade zone along the MRU bo [...] |
2007-10-29 16:58:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PHUM ECON LI |
| 07MONROVIA1302 |
LIBERIA WILL NOT ATTEND INTERPOL GENERAL ASSEMBLY [...] No summary [...] |
2007-10-30 15:13:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | KJUS PTER ASEC PREL PGOV IR LI |
| 07MONROVIA1319 |
LIBERIA: FATF STATEMENT AND GUIDANCE ON IRAN [...] No summary [...] |
2007-11-06 07:48:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PARM PREL MNUC ECON EFIN LI |
| 07MONROVIA1321 |
LIBERIA: MOJ PLANS TO REDUCE PRISON POPULATION [...] SUMMARY: After the mass prison break in 2006 and the riot at Monrovia Central Prison (MCP) on October 20 (reftel) the Ministry of Justice is taking a hard look at reducing the prison population to improve security. This will be done through increasing resources, having a well-trained staff and [...] |
2007-11-06 15:24:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PINR KJUS PREL PHUM LI |
| 07MONROVIA1322 |
LIBERIA: FIRST ANNUAL FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS SHOW POSITIVE [...] (U) GOL efforts to stem leakage of government revenue are showing results. In the first full-year fiscal accounting for President Sirleaf's administration, revenues increased 75 percent over the previous year to USD 148.34 million. In a significant step toward transparency, the government pub [...] |
2007-11-06 16:50:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN LI |
| 07MONROVIA1348 |
LIBERIA: MCC SCORECARD DELIVERED; GOL EAGER FOR THRESHOLD [...] (SBU) Summary: Econoff delivered Liberia's MCC scorecard and reftel points to Minister of Commerce and Industry Frances Johnson Morris during an introductory call. There has been press reporting here on President Sirleaf's appeal, during her recent meetings with the President and others in W [...] |
2007-11-16 16:22:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON ETRD KMCA MCC PHUM LI |
| 07MONROVIA1354 |
COM NSDD-38 RESPONSE TO DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE [...] (C) The Chief of Mission does not at this time approve the establishment of the GG-10 Intelligence Technician position requested in reftel. The COM does not disagree with DIA,s assessment of DAO Monrovia,s staffing growth needs nor with the value this new position would provide. However, Emba [...] |
2007-11-20 15:59:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | AODE KMRS AMGT LI |
| 07MONROVIA1359 |
LIBERIA: GOL AND UNMIL RESPOND QUICKLY TO LAC [...] (C) SUMMARY. The Executive Mansion has called the murder of Liberian Agriculture Company (LAC) General Manager Michael Bruno "unacceptable" and vowed to find and prosecute the perpetrators as soon as possible in order to protect Liberia's investment climate. The Mansion also expressed concer [...] |
2007-11-21 15:35:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV ASEC AMGT EAGR PTER LI |
| 07MONROVIA1368 |
EMBASSY DISCUSSES INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS WITH GOL [...] (SBU) Summary: Ambassador, DCM and Conoffs discussed problem areas in international adoptions and made recommendations to strengthen adoption procedures in Liberia during a luncheon hosted by the Ambassador for senior GOL officials and the UNICEF Officer-In-Charge. After an animated and frie [...] |
2007-11-27 16:21:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KOCI CASC CVIS LI |
| 07MONROVIA1375 |
FORMER REBEL LEADER DENIES HARBORING FIGHTERS [...] (C) Summary: Former MODEL rebel group leader and NTGL foreign minister Thomas Nimely Yaya rejected accusations that he was training 150 Burkinabes at his family plantation in Grand Gedeh County. He told Ambassador that he has no political designs whatsoever, and supports the Sirleaf governme [...] |
2007-11-30 16:08:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV PHUM LI |
| 07MONROVIA1393 |
LIBERIA: LEGISLATORS KEEN ON LIBERIA HOSTING [...] (C) SUMMARY. Ambassador briefed Senators and Representatives serving on key legislative committees on the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), and responded to their questions. The legislators expressed overwhelming support for the initiative and reiterated President Sirleaf's request tha [...] |
2007-12-06 07:59:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV MARR AMGT ASEC PHUM LI |
| 07MONROVIA1411 |
FORDER CHILDREN REPATRIATION CASE: [...] (SBU) Robert Forder, the adoptive father of the seven children repatriated from Liberia 7 December, has told conoff that he intends to remain in Liberia for, at least, several more months. 2. (SBU) Forder, who had been up country for several weeks, finally came to the embassy 11 December at [...] |
2007-12-13 13:05:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | CASC KOCI LI |
| 07MONROVIA1417 |
LIBERIA: IN WELL-RUN ELECTION, UNITY PARTY AND [...] SUMMARY. Unity Party candidate J.S.B. Theodore Momo and independent candidate Armour Kanie Wesso will advance to round two of the Gbarpolu County by-election to replace the late Senator Samuel Tormetie on December 18. Two Embassy teams, along with UNMIL and several NGOs, observed round one D [...] |
2007-12-17 07:36:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | KDEM PGOV PREL EAID LI |
| 07MONROVIA1423 |
LIBERIA'S POSTAL SYSTEM GETTING BACK ON TRACK [...] (SBU) Summary: Liberia's Postal system is struggling to reconstitute itself after being totally destroyed during the 14-year civil war. There is strong commitment by the Director General of Posts to improve service and the just-announced replacement of the Minister of Post and Telecommunicat [...] |
2007-12-20 13:03:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EAID MARR MASS MOPS PREL OTRA LI |
| 07MONROVIA1424 |
LIBERIA: GOL CONSULTS CITIZENS ON POVERTY [...] (U) SUMMARY. Liberians want roads, healthcare, and education, and they still don't feel secure. The GOL held two-day consultations with stakeholders in each of Liberia's 15 counties as part of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) process. For the first time, Liberians nationwide had a chanc [...] |
2007-12-20 15:26:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PRGOV PREL EAID EFIN ECON LI |
| 07MONROVIA1431 |
LIBERIA: UNITY PARTY GAINS SENATE SEAT IN GBARPOLU [...] (U) SUMMARY. The Unity Party has gained a Senate seat following candidate J.S.B. Theodore Momo's win in the December 18 Gbarpolu County by-election, President Sirleaf's party now has six seats in the 30 member Senate. Two Embassy teams, along with UNMIL and several NGOs, observed the second r [...] |
2007-12-26 10:45:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV KDEM EAID LI |
| 07MONROVIA1438 |
VICE ADMIRAL MOELLER'S DECEMBER 18-19 VISIT [...] (SBU) Summary: In a successful visit December 18-19, AFRICOM Deputy to the Commander for Military Operations (DCMO) Vice Admiral Michael T. Moeller attended the activation of the first companies of the new Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) formed since the AFL was disbanded and restructured two [...] |
2007-12-28 10:50:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MASS MARR PGOV LI |
| 07MONROVIA1439 |
LIBERIA - SUPREME COURT RULING ENDS FIRESTONE [...] (U) SUMMARY: Firestone employees ended their occasionally violent two-week strike and returned to work December 22 following a Supreme Court ruling that settled an internal union leadership dispute. The Court upheld the July 7 election of new leadership for the Firestone Allied Agricultural [...] |
2007-12-28 11:48:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ECON PHUM PGOV LI |
| 07MONROVIA221 |
LIBERIAN LEGISLATIVE CRISIS: SPEAKER SNOWE RESIGNS [...] (C) Summary. Edwin Snowe resigned as Speaker of the House of Representatives February 15, but retained his position as a member of the House. At a press conference announcing his resignation, Snowe urged the international community and the Council of Churches to investigate allegations of bri [...] |
2007-02-16 17:56:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | KDEM PGOV LI |
| 07MONROVIA238 |
LIBERIA: DEMARCHE ON THE CRISIS IN GUINEA [...] (SBU) Embassy delivered reftel demarche February 21 to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister for African and Asian Affairs Henry Fahnbulleh. Poloff also gave Fahnbulleh a copy of Embassy Conakry's press statement (See Reftel B). Fahnbulleh said he would advise the Minister of Foreig [...] |
2007-02-21 15:44:00 | Embassy Monrovia | SECRET | PGOV PREL LI GV |
| 07MONROVIA252 |
LIBERIA: UNITY PARTY CANDIDATE WINS NIMBA COUNTY [...] (U) The candidate of the governing Unity Party (UP), Evans V. Koah, won the February 20 by-election runoff for the House of Representatives seat representing Nimba County's District 6. The first round of the by-election was held February 6 (See Reftel A). Koah garnered 71.4 percent of the vot [...] |
2007-02-23 12:35:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM LI |
| 07MONROVIA279 |
LIBERIA: 60-DAY REPORT TO UNSC ON UNSCR 1737 [...] Embassy delivered reftel demarche February 28 to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister for African and Asian Affairs Henry Fahnbulleh. Poloff provided Fahnbulleh with a copy of the U.S. 60-day report. Fahnbulleh had no substantive comment. Booth [...] |
2007-03-01 09:13:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | KNNP IR UNSC AORC ETRD TRGY LI |
| 07MONROVIA280 |
LIBERIA: IAEA REPORT ON IRANIAN COMPLIANCE WITH [...] Embassy delivered reftel demarche February 28 to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister for African and Asian Affairs Henry Fahnbulleh. Fahnbulleh had no substantive comment. Booth [...] |
2007-03-01 09:14:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | KNNP IR LI |
| 07MONROVIA282 |
LIBERIA: FEBRUARY 1 VISIT OF CHINESE PRESIDENT [...] (C) Summary. Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Liberia for a one-day visit February 1. According to Chinese Embassy Political Counselor Gou Hao Dong, it was the first visit by a Chinese head of state to Liberia since the two countries first established diplomatic relations in 1977. Gou to [...] |
2007-03-01 10:37:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID PREL LI CH |
| 07MONROVIA289 |
LIBERIA: US/CHINA DIALOGUE ON AFRICA [...] (C) In general, Chinese assistance to Liberia tends to be well-publicized one-off contributions of goods, technical assistance, infrastructure, and exchanges, rather than sustained donor engagement in strengthening specific institutions or sectors. Since 2003, China has provided peacekeepers [...] |
2007-03-02 13:28:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID ECON EFIN PREL CH LI |
| 07MONROVIA469 |
LIBERIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM: SUPPORT BY RADIO CHINA [...] (SBU) Summary: John Langlois, Senior Media Advisor for USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) visited Liberia from February 28 - March 21, 2007. The purpose of his visit was to follow up on OTI media-related activities and to assess OTI's media strategy in light of new Chinese involvem [...] |
2007-04-20 17:19:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID PGOV SCUL PINR LI PREL CH |
| 07MONROVIA491 |
LIBERIA: UPDATE ON HIGH PROFILE CORRUPTION [...] (U) The Supreme Court heard oral arguments April 24 on a motion filed by attorneys for former National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) Chairman Guyde Bryant arguing that Bryant cannot be tried for "economic sabotage" (See Reftel A) because he enjoys immunity under Article 61 of the C [...] |
2007-04-26 14:36:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV KCRM KJUS LI |
| 07MONROVIA496 |
LIBERIA STUMBLES IN EFFORT TO PASS TELECOMMUNICATIONS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: There are indications that comprehensive but flawed legislation to regulate Liberia's telecommunications market is close to a final vote. The late inclusion of a few, but significant, anti-competitive measures raises concern that the Act may have an immediate impact on current GS [...] |
2007-04-27 13:34:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON PGOV ETRD EINV LI |
| 07MONROVIA559 |
LIBERIA: SPAIN TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN HEALTH AND [...] (U) Charge d'Affaires and Poloff (notetaker) met May 14 with Cristina Diaz Fernandez-Gil, Assistant Director for Cooperation with Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia at the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Fernandez-Gil was accompanied by Spain's Honorary Consul in Liberia Manuel Cuenca, Carolina [...] |
2007-05-15 08:18:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL EAID SP LI |
| 07MONROVIA571 |
LIBERIA ISSUES PRESS STATEMENT ON KEY U.S. [...] Acting Minister of Health S. Mohammed Sheriff called Poloff May 15 to alert Embassy to the Ministry of Health's issuance of a press release along the lines of the U.S. objectives at the annual World Health Assembly. The press release appeared in the May 15 "Inquirer" newspaper. 2. Text of p [...] |
2007-05-15 17:29:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | TBIO AORC PREL KFLU WHO LI |
| 07MONROVIA579 |
LIBERIA: DEMARCHE ON HCOC "INREACH" - ENCOURAGING [...] (SBU) Embassy delivered reftel demarche May 16 to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Acting Minister for American Affairs Moiba Fofana. Fofana said he would brief Minister of Foreign Affairs George Wallace on the demarche. 2. (SBU) Fofana requested the full text of the Hague Code of Conduct (HCOC [...] |
2007-05-17 10:05:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL MNUC KSCA ETTC TSPA MTCRE LI |
| 07MONROVIA580 |
LIBERIA: DEMARCHE ON IMPORTANCE OF INTERNATIONAL [...] Embassy delivered reftel demarche May 16 to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Acting Minister for American Affairs Moiba Fofana. Emboff promised to send Fofana the texts of UNSCR resolutions 1267 and 1735. Fofana said he would brief Minister of Foreign Affairs George Wallace on the demarche. Mazel [...] |
2007-05-17 10:05:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN KTFN PTER UNSC LI |
| 07MONROVIA590 |
LIBERIA DEMARCHE: IMPLEMENTING UNSCR 1747 AND [...] (SBU) Embassy delivered reftel demarche May 18 to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Acting Minister for American Affairs Moiba Fofana. Fofana had no substantive response. Mazel [...] |
2007-05-18 15:51:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PARM ETTC UNSC IR LI |
| 07MONROVIA591 |
LIBERIA: SCENE SETTER FOR HDAC CODEL [...] (SBU) Embassy welcomes the May 31-June 2 visit of the House Democracy Assistance Commission (HDAC) congressional delegation. Liberia is at a critical moment in its history, emerging from 14 years of civil war under a democratically elected government that has been in office a year and a half. [...] |
2007-05-18 15:53:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EAID ECON LI |
| 07MONROVIA599 |
LIBERIA'S CONTROVERSIAL LEGISLATIVE AUTONOMY ACT [...] (SBU) The Senate introduced a bill entitled "An Act to Amend Certain Provisions of the Legislative Law to Provide Financial Autonomy to the Legislature," which it passed on April 23, 2007. The House of Representatives passed the bill on April 24, 2007. (See text of Act in paragraph 5). The j [...] |
2007-05-21 18:05:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM ECON LI |
| 07MONROVIA610 |
SHIP "STOLEN" FROM LIBERIAN WATERS NOT AN [...] (SBU) Summary: On May 11, unknown assailants "stole" the Saint Vincent-flagged M/V "Tahoma Reefer" from its anchorage in Liberian waters and proceeded to tow the vessel towards the Ivory Coast. United Nations Police (UNPOL) and the Liberian National Police (LNP) arrested two individuals (one o [...] |
2007-05-23 09:56:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD EWWT LI PGOV PHSA |
| 07MONROVIA617 |
LIBERIA: SIGNS OF HOPE IN LOFA COUNTY [...] SUMMARY. On a three-day trip through Lofa County, May 16-18 Poloff and UK representative visited International Rescue Committee (IRC) projects funded by the USG and the UK Department for International Development (DFID). After visiting numerous communities, villages, and towns, it became clea [...] |
2007-05-24 08:05:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ELAB PHUM KWMN KDEM SOCI LI |
| 07MONROVIA620 |
GOL PRESENTS DRAFT BUDGET TO THE LEGISLATURE [...] (U) SUMMARY: On May 16, 2007, President Johnson Sirleaf presented the draft Fiscal Year 2007/08 National Budget to the National Legislature. The draft budget amounts to US$183 million and reflects a 40 percent increase in revenues compared to the 2006/07 budget. The increase in the budget refle [...] |
2007-05-24 15:58:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EFIN ETRD EINV LI |
| 07MONROVIA623 |
LIBERIA: TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION MOVES [...] (C) Summary. Over the past two months, the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has been working with the international community to put policies and practices in place that will instill donor confidence and permit resumption of funding of the TRC's activities. Many strides have [...] |
2007-05-24 17:11:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM EAID LI |
| 07MONROVIA638 |
LIBERIA: UPDATE ON LABOR LAW REFORM [...] Summary. A revised version of section 1508.3 of the Liberian labor code, which regulates dismissal without cause, will go back to the Liberian legislature for debate. Passage of the amended code was stalled in October 2006 after the Ministry of Labor decided to make further revisions. The new [...] |
2007-05-31 08:21:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON EINV ELAB LI |
| 07MONROVIA665 |
LIBERIA: DEATH OF M. MOUSSA CISSE AND RESOLUTION [...] (SBU) M. Moussa Cisse a/k/a Mamadee KAMARA, former Chief of Presidential Protocol for former President Charles Taylor, who was an individual subject to the measures imposed by paragraph 4 of Security Council Resolution 1521 (2003) concerning Liberia, has died in Liberia. JFK Hospital Medical [...] |
2007-06-06 08:19:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL LI |
| 07MONROVIA666 |
CODEL PRICE VISIT TO LIBERIA [...] Summary. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives David Price (D-NC), Chairman of the House Democracy Assistance Commission (HDAC), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NEB), and Gwen Moore (D-WIS), visited Liberia May 31-June 2. Their visit followed up on a July 2006 visit to the Liberian Congress by U. [...] |
2007-06-06 09:30:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV OREP KDEM EAID LI |
| 07MONROVIA736 |
USG-FUNDED PROGRAMS RAISE AWARENESS OF SEXUAL EXPLOITATION [...] UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT (USG)-FUNDED PROGRAMS IN LIBERIA HAVE STRENGTHENED COORDINATION, RAISED AWARENESS, AND PROVIDED STANDARDIZED INVESTIGATIVE AND REPORTING TOOLS TO THE HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE COMMUNITY IN AN EFFORT TO COMBAT SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE (SEA) IN LIBERIA. 2. USAID' [...] |
2007-06-21 11:45:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM EAID KWMN UNMIL LI |
| 07MONROVIA745 |
LIBERIAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PASSES ACT RESTRICTING [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Liberia's House of Representatives passed the National Technical Committee (NTC) Act on June 19, and has sent it to the Senate for concurrence. According to the Act, the NTC would have the exclusive administrative authority to supervise the award of all government related constr [...] |
2007-06-22 13:07:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EINV EAID LI |
| 07MONROVIA863 |
LIBERIA: CONVERSATION WITH GEORGE WEAH AND CDC [...] (C) Summary: On July 6, George Weah, leader of the Coalition for Democratic Change and unsuccessful Presidential Candidate in 2005, met with the Ambassador to discuss his views of the current government led by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. He spoke at length about problems the CDC has with the Sirle [...] |
2007-07-18 14:31:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PINR PREL PGOV KDEM SOCI LI |
| 07MONROVIA864 |
LIBERIA: TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION [...] No summary [...] |
2007-07-18 16:08:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM EAID LI |
| 07MONROVIA887 |
LIBERIA: NEW UNION LEADERSHIP AT FIRESTONE [...] No summary [...] |
2007-07-23 15:31:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB EAGR PGOV KDEM PHUM LI |
| 07MONROVIA889 |
LIBERIA LEGISLATURE MOVES ONE STEP CLOSER TO PASSING [...] (U) SUMMARY. On July 18 the House of Representatives passed the draft 2007/2008 National Budget and forwarded the document to the Senate for concurrence. Senate President Pro Tempore Isaac Nyanabo suggested the budget debate could continue at least another week. The budget passed by the House [...] |
2007-07-23 16:40:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EINV LI |
| 07MONROVIA896 |
LIBERIA: INDEPENDENCE DAY TO MARK THE ECONOMIC [...] SUMMARY: In advance of celebrations marking the 160th anniversary of Liberian Independence on July 26, Emboffs traveled to Grand Bassa county on July 6-7, visiting the capital of Buchanan, Liberia's second largest port, and the Liberian Agricultural Company (LAC), the second largest rubber pl [...] |
2007-07-24 16:08:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | AID ECON LI PGOV |
| 07MONROVIA902 |
VISIT TO LIBERIA BY DAS TODD MOSS - JULY 11 - 17, [...] (U) SUMMARY: Deputy Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Todd Moss visited Liberia July 11-17, and met with leaders from the Government of Liberia (GOL), business and banking representatives, members of the legislative opposition, UNMIL and international partners, and directors from key se [...] |
2007-07-25 18:50:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | ASEC EAID ECON EFIN ENRG EWWT LI MAS MCAP |
| 07MONROVIA910 |
LIBERIA: SCENE SETTER FOR CODEL LOWEY [...] (SBU) Embassy welcomes the August 16, 2007 visit of the Congressional delegation led by Representative Nita Lowey, Chairwoman of the House Appropriations Committee, Subcommittee on Foreign Operations. Liberia is at a critical moment in its history, emerging from 14 years of civil war under a d [...] |
2007-07-27 15:17:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OREP PGOV PREL EAID ECON LI |
| 07MONROVIA960 |
LIBERIA ECONOMIC BRIEFS -- August 2007 [...] (U) Following is a summary of recent economic and commercial developments in Liberia. ---------------------- PRESIDENT SIGNS BUDGET ---------------------- 2. (U) President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf signed into law the FY2007-08 national budget on July 31. The US$199.3 million budget is ov [...] |
2007-08-02 16:01:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON EPET ETRD EINV EFIN ASEC EAID LI |
| 07MONROVIA961 |
LIBERIA: GOVERNMENT REVOKES DIPLOMATIC APPOINTMENTS [...] No summary [...] |
2007-08-03 10:56:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV CVIS PREL PTER LI |
| 08MONROVIA100 |
DRUG SMUGGLING VESSEL BROUGHT TO MONROVIA [...] (SBU) On January 29, French navy vessel Tonnerre intercepted and boarded Liberian flagged merchant vessel Blue Atlantic in international waters approximately 500 kilometers south of Liberia. The French boarding party found the merchant vessel carried 2.4 tons of cocaine carried in 92 barrels [...] |
2008-02-01 18:05:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | SNAR PRGOV ASEC LI |
| 08MONROVIA1003 |
LIBERIA: GOL BANS EXPORT OF UNPROCESSED RUBBER [...] The GOL has announced a ban on export of unprocessed rubber to protect the local industry. The Ministry of Commerce says the ban, strongly supported by the rubber sector in Liberia and in the works for about two years, is intended to tackle the growing problem of rubber theft. To further sup [...] |
2008-12-08 16:24:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | EAGR EINV ETRD PGOV ECON LI |
| 08MONROVIA1005 |
LIBERIA: SOLID IPR FRAMEWORK; NO ENFORCEMENT (YET) [...] Summary: The Liberia Copyright Office (LCO)plans to launch a national anti-piracy program and is requesting USG support. Liberia has a robust legal framework to support intellectual property protection but requires an effective law enforcement and judicial capacity to enforce it and broader p [...] |
2008-12-08 16:37:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | KIPR ETRD EAID ECON LI |
| 08MONROVIA1006 |
LIBERIA: RECOMMENDATIONS ON COUNTER-PIRACY EFFORTS [...] The Commissioner of Liberia's Bureau of Maritime Affairs, Binyah Kesselly, stated the GOL position on piracy at the recent session of the International Maritime Organization. He described the hijacking of the Liberian-registered SIRIUS STAR as part of "an international crisis of monumental pr [...] |
2008-12-08 16:40:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | MOPS PBTS PHSA PTER ECON LI |
| 08MONROVIA1018 |
NSDD-38-COM APPROVAL FOR DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE [...] No summary [...] |
2008-12-10 09:20:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | AODE KMRS AMGT LI |
| 08MONROVIA103 |
"BLUE ATLANTIC" COCAINE DESTROYED [...] (C) Minister of Justice Philip A.Z. Banks told Ambassador February 4 that he personally oversaw the destruction of the cocaine February 1 seized from the merchant vessel "Blue Atlantic" (reftel). While he admitted that the destruction process was initially inefficient and hazardous, he was sa [...] |
2008-02-05 13:10:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | SNAR PGOV ASEC LI |
| 08MONROVIA1032 |
LIBERIA: Minister of Commerce embraces reform [...] (U) Summary: Liberia's new Minister of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) is embracing reform on all fronts. The Ministry's lawyer is coordinating top-to-bottom review of all commercial legislation and moving ahead with plans to institute alternative dispute resolution for commercial cases. The GO [...] |
2008-12-15 15:48:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EAID EINV EAGR ECON PINR LI |
| 08MONROVIA1034 |
POST REQUESTS AFRICOM ASSESSMENT ON REMOVAL OF WRECKS FROM [...] Embassy Monrovia reaffirms its request for DoD assistance in conducting an assessment on the feasibility of removing the primary vessels blocking access to the commercial wharf in the Port of Monrovia. Two wrecks, the Torm Alexandra and an adjacent pilot tender ship, are presently blocking one [...] |
2008-12-16 09:59:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | MASS MARR PREL LI |
| 08MONROVIA1037 |
LIBERIA: TAYLOR'S FORMER PARTY HOLDS 5000 PERSON [...] (SBU) Former President Charles Taylor's National Patriotic Party (NPP) organized a rally in Monrovia December 13 to solidify its membership base and begin preparations for its 2011 election campaign. An enthusiastic crowd of 5000 party leaders, members, and ex-combatants from the National Pat [...] |
2008-12-16 16:41:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM LI |
| 08MONROVIA1041 |
BAD TRAFFICKING PRESS CAUSES GOVERNMENT ACTION [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Recent negative press in the international and local media about trafficking cases and the badly regulated adoption system has spurned government action. The Minister of Labor held a special anti-human trafficking taskforce meeting on November 29 to develop a new draft strategy, [...] |
2008-12-17 11:42:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV PREL SOCI CVIS LI |
| 08MONROVIA1049 |
LIBERIA: LEGISLATORS DIVIDED OVER SETTING [...] (C) SUMMARY: The International Contact Group on Liberia (ICGL) engaged the House and Senate leadership December 18 to press them to pass the legislation needed for preparations for the 2011 elections to begin (reftels). The Legislators were divided over how to choose a threshold population and [...] |
2008-12-19 12:43:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA1059 |
LIBERIA: SUPREME COURT REINSTATES SUSPENDED SENATE [...] (U) The Supreme Court of Liberia issued an order December 18 calling for the immediate removal of Senator Lahai Lasannah as Acting Senate President Pro Tempore and the immediate reinstatement of Suspended Pro Tempore Isaac Nyenabo. The Senate suspended Nyenabo by simple majority vote on Augus [...] |
2008-12-29 12:17:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA1063 |
LIBERIA: KENDEJA CULTURAL CENTER -- NO PROGRESS [...] (SBU) The RLJ Kendeja Hotel construction is proceeding in anticipation of a March 2009 opening. Ref C reported some of the controversy surrounding the launch of the project, and Ref B requested an update on the status of relocation of the displaced Kendeja cultural center. During a December 1 [...] |
2008-12-29 17:38:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ECON OPIC LI |
| 08MONROVIA1064 |
LIBERIA: TRC SUBMITS FIRST VOLUME OF FINAL REPORT [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) submitted a confidential copy of Volume I of its final report, including its key findings and recommendations, to the GOL December 19, meeting the recommended December 21 deadline to avoid potential legal complications. TRC C [...] |
2008-12-29 17:58:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA1067 |
LIBERIA: Encouraging Investment? [...] (SBU) Summary: In recent meetings with the Ambassador, two top GOL officials confirmed that they expect the revised Investment Code to pass quickly after the legislature convenes in mid-January. President Sirleaf has called on her Cabinet to expedite major concession agreements, but investors [...] |
2008-12-30 15:55:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ECON EFIN OPIC LI |
| 08MONROVIA1072 |
LIBERIA: GUINEAN JUNTA DELEGATION CALLS ON PRESIDENT [...] (U) A Guinean delegation headed by National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD) vice president Brigadier General Mamadou Camara called on President Sirleaf in Monrovia December 30 in her capacity as chair of the Mano River Union. President Sirleaf used the occasion to press the junta [...] |
2008-12-31 13:41:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL KDEM PHUM GV LI |
| 08MONROVIA116 |
LIBERIA: ARCELORMITTAL INITIATES INFRASTRUCTURE [...] (U) SUMMARY: The world's largest steel company, ArcelorMittal, announced in December 2007 that it is increasing its investment in Liberia by US$500 million to a total of $1.5 billion. ArcelorMittal's Liberian subsidiary, Mittal Steel Liberia (MSL), has initiated preparatory activities at it [...] |
2008-02-08 10:25:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EMIN EINV LI PGOV |
| 08MONROVIA117 |
LIBERIA STUMBLES IN AUCTION OF TWO NEW IRON ORE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Government of Liberia (GOL) has struggled - if not stumbled - in efforts to award the first two iron ore concessions tendered since the Contracts and Concessions Review of 2006 and the arrival of the Sirleaf administration. The President announced during her January 28 An [...] |
2008-02-08 10:27:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ECON EINV EMIN PGOV LI |
| 08MONROVIA130 |
LIBERIA G/TIP PROJECT PROPOSAL [...] No summary [...] |
2008-02-13 17:58:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC ELAB KCRM PHUM PREL SMIG LI |
| 08MONROVIA139 |
LIBERIA: ENERGY FROM RUBBER WOOD CHIPS? [...] (SBU) Summary: The GOL continues to pursue medium-term power sources but is stymied by indecision. Buchanan Renewable Energy (BRE, a Canadian firm) has proposed using chips from rubber trees to provide 17-34 MW of energy in Monrovia, with the possibility of similar smaller scale biomass power [...] |
2008-02-19 14:05:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG EAGR EAID EINV SENV ECON OPIC LI |
| 08MONROVIA154 |
LIBERIA: PESTS and AGOA: SPS STRUCTURE ESSENTIAL FOR [...] (SBU) Summary: The GOL is counting on agricultural exports, including timber projects, to jump-start the economic recovery. In meetings with GOL officials, USDA and APHIS regional representatives made it clear that an effective and internationally recognized sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) s [...] |
2008-02-28 10:24:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ECON ETRD LI |
| 08MONROVIA165 |
LIBERIA: NASCENT TELECOM SECTOR [...] (SBU) Summary: Most of Liberia's communications infrastructure was destroyed in the 14-year civil war. Cell phones are ubiquitous but there are no land line phones. Internet access is expensive and bandwidth is limited. All electricity in Monrovia is privately generated except 2.5 MW (soon t [...] |
2008-03-03 16:15:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS ECON AORC LI |
| 08MONROVIA242 |
LIBERIA: GOVERNMENT RATIFIES AMENDED FIRESTONE CONCESSION [...] (U) SUMMARY: The Liberian Legislature ratified March 27 the Amended and Restated Concession Agreement signed by the Government of Liberia (GOL) and Firestone Liberia on February 22. The new Agreement concludes extended negotiations between the GOL and Firestone to modify a concession extensi [...] |
2008-03-31 14:30:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EIND ETRD EINV LI |
| 08MONROVIA248 |
LIBERIA: TRC BRINGS SOME RECONCILIATION TO COUNTIES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The GOL Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recently concluded one-week public hearings in five of Liberia's fifteen counties, and will head out again to the remaining counties after a two-week break. The hearings were positively received and the traditional leaders of eac [...] |
2008-04-01 16:10:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV EAID ECON PREL LI |
| 08MONROVIA249 |
LIBERIA: PORT SECURITY REMAINS A PROBLEM IN MONROVIA [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Port Security remains deficient in Liberia and the Port of Monrovia is unlikely to reach compliance with the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code anytime soon, but technical and financial assistance could accelera [...] |
2008-04-01 16:22:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PHUM ECON LI |
| 08MONROVIA252 |
LIBERIA: INITIAL TIMBER CONTRACTS MARK MILESTONE BUT RAISE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Liberia has marked another step towards the resumption of legal commercial logging by awarding new timber concessions for the first time since United Nations timber sanctions were imposed in 2003. The Forestry Development Authority (FDA) held a bid opening ceremony February 29 t [...] |
2008-04-02 14:12:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR PGOV EINV SENV LI |
| 08MONROVIA255 |
LIBERIA: AGOA Workshop Roaring Success, but a lot to do [...] Summary: The first-ever Africa Growth and Opportunity (AGOA) workshop held in Monrovia March 20-21 attracted strong participation by members of the business community, GOL officials, members of civil society organizations, and the press. The presentations by the inter-agency USG delegation, [...] |
2008-04-03 16:40:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | ETRD EAID EINV ELAB EAGR EFIN ECON LI |
| 08MONROVIA30 |
LIBERIA: TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION OPENS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The GOL Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) opened public hearings January 8 for the first time in its history. This round of hearings will continue through July 31 and carries the theme "Confronting our Difficult Past for a Better Future." President Sirleaf called on a [...] |
2008-01-11 14:07:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV ECON PHUM EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA32 |
LIBERIA: 2008 INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT [...] SUMMARY: There is growing investor interest in Liberia, particularly in agriculture, construction, the extractive industries and tourism. UN sanctions on timber exports were lifted in 2006 and on diamonds in early 2007 as Liberia became compliant with the Kimberly Process. The removal of san [...] |
2008-01-14 13:02:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV EFIN ETRD ELAB KTBD OPIC USTR PGOV LI |
| 08MONROVIA325 |
LIBERIA: IMPACT OF RISING FOOD/AGRICULTURAL [...] (SBU) Summary: Over 60% of Liberians are estimated to live below the poverty line and price increases hit hard. Liberia is heavily reliant on imported food, of which rice is the most important. Imported rice supplies over half of domestic consumption and prices at the retail level are up as [...] |
2008-05-01 11:01:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD EFIN PGOV PREL ECON LI |
| 08MONROVIA336 |
LIBERIA: 21 REFORMS TO IMPROVE THE BUSINESS CLIMATE MAY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The GOL has announced 21 reforms to improve Liberia's ranking in the IFC "Doing Business" index by enhancing the business climate. The rapid progress reflects President Sirleaf's commitment and the productive collaboration between the GOL and the business community to target r [...] |
2008-05-05 13:48:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV BEXP EFIN ETRD ECON KMCA LI |
| 08MONROVIA345 |
LIBERIA: U.S. FIRM SHOWS INTEREST IN AIRPORT INVESTMENT [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: U.S.-based aerospace and advanced technology firm Lockheed Martin (LM) is developing a proposal to manage civil aviation assets in Liberia. The Liberian Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) invited an LM team to visit Liberia in February and April, 2008, to assess the scope of a po [...] |
2008-05-07 09:47:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON PGOV FAA LI |
| 08MONROVIA377 |
LIBERIA: ONGOING POWER STRUGGLE WITHIN CDC PARTY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. A month-long power struggle inside Liberia's most popular opposition party, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), was not resolved at National Elections Commission (NEC) hearing, and the case has been sent to the Supreme Court. If there is no solution before the CDC's 2009 [...] |
2008-05-19 18:09:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA407 |
LIBERIA: APPLICATION FOR OPIC FINANCE: KENDEJA HOTEL [...] (U) The following response to reftel is based on information gleaned during the May 19-23 visit of OPIC officers Kenneth Angell and Barbara Gibian, on post's interaction with the Kendeja project prior to that meeting, and on information gleaned from Liberian officials and others who either supp [...] |
2008-05-27 07:45:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV EFIN OPIC LI |
| 08MONROVIA409 |
LIBERIA: DRAFT BUDGET CONTINUES ON RIGHT TRACK [...] (U) Liberia's $277 million draft budget for 2008-09 provides a 38.8% increase over last year, with the focus on supporting poverty reduction and specific emphasis on boosting civil service salaries and funding education. (Note: All amounts are in US dollars. End note.) It is divided into a [...] |
2008-05-27 07:46:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON LI |
| 08MONROVIA417 |
LIBERIA: HOME USE ONLY CD-ROM FOR LES [...] This is to confirm that there are no local laws or regulations restricting the importation and distribution of anti-virus software to LES. 2. Information requested in para 7 of reftel is detailed below: DCM Brooks Robinson Economic-Commercial Officer Lucy Abbott IMO Lloyd Cammel Numb [...] |
2008-05-27 14:15:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KVIR AADP ACOA ASEC AMGT OIIP KRIM KPAO KSEP LI |
| 08MONROVIA427 |
LIBERIA: APPLICATION FOR OPIC FINANCE: BUCHANAN RENEWABLES [...] (SBU) The possibility of electricity generated from abundant locally-available fuel is tremendously appealing. The BRE/MacBain team presents a compelling case, but there are some assumptions and uncertainties that do not yet appear to have been resolved. 2. (SBU) Econoff participated in a Fe [...] |
2008-05-29 16:51:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV EFIN OPIC LI |
| 08MONROVIA430 |
LIBERIA: 2008 REPORT ON INVESTMENT DISPUTES AND [...] (SBU) The United States Government is aware of one claim of United States persons that may be outstanding against the Government of Liberia (GOL; under the National Transitional Government of Liberia - NTGL). a. Claimant A b. 2004 c. In late 2003 and spring 2004, a locally incorporated [...] |
2008-06-02 11:38:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ECON KIDE LI |
| 08MONROVIA435 |
LIBERIA: CELL PHONE COMPANIES FEND OFF REGULATOR [...] (SBU) Summary: Since passage of the Telecommunications Law a year ago (ref B), the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) has demonstrated a lack of sophistication in regulating the sector. The Embassy, with other international partners, has raised concerns with the GOL regarding LTA's he [...] |
2008-06-03 09:15:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EINV ECON AORC LI |
| 08MONROVIA446 |
LIBERIA: CRIME RATE STEADY BUT PUBLIC'S UNEASINESS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Liberian public has grown uneasy about a rumored increase in violent crime since the beginning of 2008. While crime continues at a high rate, UN crime statistics do not indicate a sharp increase. The public perception continues, however, because of frequent media coverage [...] |
2008-06-06 07:54:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ASEC KCRM EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA466 |
LIBERIA: RECENT CLASHES HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR LAND [...] (C) SUMMARY. The rising pattern of violence over land is emerging as a serious threat to the stability of Liberia. Land disputes have been occurring since the end of the civil war, but it appears that attacks between factions are becoming more organized and more deadly. The open use of autom [...] |
2008-06-17 19:03:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ASEC ECON EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA476 |
LIBERIA'S PRS: PEACE AND SECURITY PILLAR - A [...] (C) Summary: The Liberian National Security Strategy, upon which the security section of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) is based, has not yet been made public, but the GOL is moving ahead on the basis of the strategy. The PRS process has forced the Liberians to begin to plan long-term, [...] |
2008-06-20 12:42:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PRGOV ASEC MARR MASS CJAN KJUS LI |
| 08MONROVIA477 |
SUBJECT: LIBERIA'S PRS: GOVERANCE AND RULE OF LAW [...] (C) SUMMARY. Sustainable peace and poverty reduction in Liberia require an unambiguous break from the poor governance and disrespect for the rule of law that led to Liberia's crippling civil war. The Governance and Rule of Law (GRL) Pillar of the GOL's Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) is ch [...] |
2008-06-20 12:43:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL ECON EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA48 |
LIBERIA: THIRD SESSION OF 52ND LEGISLATURE OPENS [...] (U) SUMMARY. The Senate and House of Representatives of Liberia opened the third session of the 52nd Legislature January 14 with two separate ceremonies. Though the ceremonies were largely procedural and did not outline much regarding the 2008 legislative agenda, every speaker expressed than [...] |
2008-01-16 14:57:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA487 |
FALLOUT FROM CHUCKIE TAYLOR INVESTIGATION [...] (S/NF) For the past 10 days a team from FBI and the AUSA have been in Liberia in connection with the prosecution in Florida on torture charges of Chuckie Taylor, the son of former Liberian head of state Charles Taylor. The team has taken photos and made measurements of several sites witnesses [...] |
2008-06-25 17:36:00 | Embassy Monrovia | SECRET//NOFORN | PREL ASEC LI |
| 08MONROVIA50 |
LIBERIA: GIRL'S DEATH REVEALS STRAINS WITHIN [...] (C) SUMMARY. Around 150 students peacefully demonstrated outside of Embassy Monrovia January 11, calling for the USG to pressure the Government of Liberia (GOL) to reinvestigate the suicide of 13-year-old Merideh "Angel" Togba. The girl was found hanging in her guardians' bathroom November 30 [...] |
2008-01-16 15:18:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM ASEC KJUS LI |
| 08MONROVIA51 |
LIBERIA'S COMMERCE MINISTER AND TIFA/AGOA UPDATE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Minister of Commerce is committed to progress under TIFA and is already planning for the AGOA workshop and an AGOA Resource Center. Plans are underway for a standards lab in Monrovia that will permit sanitary and phyto-sanitary tests. The Minister supports establishment of [...] |
2008-01-16 16:11:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EAID EAGR ECON EAIR OPIC USTR PGOV LI |
| 08MONROVIA52 |
LIBERIA'S COMMERCE MINISTER AND TIFA/AGOA UPDATE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Minister of Commerce is committed to progress under TIFA and is already planning for the AGOA workshop and an AGOA Resource Center. Plans are underway for a standards lab in Monrovia that will permit sanitary and phyto-sanitary tests. The Minister supports establishment of [...] |
2008-01-16 16:13:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EAID EAGR ECON EAIR OPIC USTR PGOV LI |
| 08MONROVIA528 |
HDAC CODEL ENGAGES LIBERIAN LEGISLATURE ON ETHICS [...] SUMMARY. In a successful visit to Liberia June 29-July 1, the U.S. House Democracy Assistance Commission (HDAC), led by U.S. Representative David Price (D-NC), held six workshops for the Liberian Legislature in the newly renovated Capitol building. The CODEL visited the port city of Buchanan, [...] |
2008-07-09 12:51:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV ECON KCRI LI |
| 08MONROVIA567 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL IRANIAN [...] No summary [...] |
2008-07-22 17:01:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | KNNP EFIN PARM IR LI |
| 08MONROVIA578 |
TRC ENTERS THEMATIC HEARINGS PHASE, REQUESTS [...] (U) SUMMARY. The Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) recently completed individual public hearings in all fifteen counties and has now entered its "thematic public hearings" phase. The various themes include: women, children and youth, economic crimes, religious and traditiona [...] |
2008-07-28 07:39:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV KCRM ECON LI |
| 08MONROVIA591 |
LIBERIA: THE BUDGET, LEGISLATORS, MOF, AND GEMAP, [...] (C) Summary: Director General of the Bureau of the Budget (BOB), Augustine Ngafuan, expects the budget to pass this week assuming the full House accepts decisions made by the relevent legislative committees. If it does not pass this week, the GOL will be "in a state of crisis." He shared c [...] |
2008-07-31 17:10:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | EFIN ECON PGOV PREL EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA592 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: DESIGNATION OF AL-QAIDA-AFFILIATED [...] No summary [...] |
2008-08-01 14:16:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | KNNP EFIN PARM IR LI |
| 08MONROVIA607 |
LIBERIA: EMBASSY UNVEILS PLAQUE IN HONOR OF SLAIN AMCIT [...] SUMMARY: The Charge unveiled a plaque July 30 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Cathedral in Monrovia in honor of five American nuns who were killed in 1992 during Liberia's civil conflict. The unveiling ceremony was attended by approximately 150 people including the Catholic Apostolic Administrat [...] |
2008-08-06 12:01:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV KCRM EAID ECON LI |
| 08MONROVIA608 |
LIBERIA: FINAL PASSAGE OF 2008-2009 BUDGET SHOWS TREMENDOUS [...] (U) The Senate passed a $298 million 2008/2009 fiscal budget August 4, which is $21 million higher than the initial submission by the executive branch and $116 million more than last year's initial budget (REF C). However, when last year's supplemental budget and actual (rather than projected [...] |
2008-08-06 14:48:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON PGOV LI |
| 08MONROVIA612 |
LIBERIA: PRESIDENT TURNS TO YOUNG TECHNOCRATS FOR NEW [...] (U) President Sirleaf has promoted Liberia Reconstruction and Development Committee (LRDC) Coordinator Natty B. Davis to Minister of State Without Portfolio to oversee overall coordination of economic policy. She also has nominated two young American-educated officials to build her new economi [...] |
2008-08-07 16:54:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PGOV PINR LI |
| 08MONROVIA613 |
LIBERIA POLICE STRUGGLES TO REFORM, NEEDS [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Liberia National Police (LNP) faces numerous challenges as the Government of Liberia (GOL) increasingly looks to its security agencies to counter internal threats, most recently via an anti-crime campaign. The LNP leadership finds itself called upon to provide an effective po [...] |
2008-08-07 18:06:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | KCRM MASS PHUM PREL LI |
| 08MONROVIA618 |
LIBERIA: FIRESTONE LIBERIA CONCLUDES COLLECTIVE BARGAINING [...] (U) Firestone Liberia concluded a labor agreement August 6 with the Firestone Allied Agricultural Workers Union of Liberia (FAAWUL). The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covers over 4,000 workers and provides wage increases of 24% for rubber tappers (from a little over US$3 to just under [...] |
2008-08-11 18:40:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ELAB ECON PGOV LI |
| 08MONROVIA619 |
LIBERIAN SENATE SUSPENDS PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE FOR [...] (C) SUMMARY. President Pro Tempore of the Senate Isaac Nyenabo was suspended for six months by a simple majority motion, after a resolution calling for his removal from office failed to get the necessary two-thirds vote. He is accused of allowing the Senate to be a puppet of the Executive Br [...] |
2008-08-11 19:39:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM ECON EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA63 |
LIBERIA: MEETING WITH FINANCE MINISTER ON USG ASSISTANCE, [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Liberian Finance Minister Antoinette Sayeh is grateful for USG, especially Treasury, support for the GOL's multilateral debt-relief efforts. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) will assess the best use of USG assistance in the debt management strategy, and welcomes the rapid respons [...] |
2008-01-23 14:39:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN EAID ASEC PGOV KCRM EWWT LI |
| 08MONROVIA647 |
LIBERIA: PRESIDENT WAIVES TAXES FOR LOW-SALARIED WORKERS [...] (U) The GOL announced an Executive Order August 14 that waives income tax for salaried workers earning less than US$70 a month. The GOL statement explained the action was necessary "to address the increased need to mitigate economic shock and hardship, a consequence of the global increase in t [...] |
2008-08-19 08:39:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON PGOV LI |
| 08MONROVIA649 |
LIBERIA: POWER PROJECT PREVAILS IN THE FACE OF [...] (C) Introduction and Summary: Buchanan Energy's John MacBain informed President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and other top officials August 14 that the OPIC Investment Committee's approval of a US$112 million loan for their proposal to generate electricity from rubber wood chips (Ref B) made at OPI [...] |
2008-08-19 14:46:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | EINV ECON ENRG PGOV LI |
| 08MONROVIA650 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL IRANIAN [...] No summary [...] |
2008-08-20 08:45:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | KNNP MNUC IR GM PREL PARM EFIN LI |
| 08MONROVIA674 |
LIBERIA: DEMARCHE ON RESPONSE TO MAURITANIAN COUP [...] PolOff met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation and Economic Integration Conmany Wesseh August 29 to deliver reftel demarche. Wesseh said that the GOL had draft language in clearance to publicly condemn the coup in Mauritania but decided not to do so after [...] |
2008-09-02 19:31:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA676 |
LIBERIA: DEMARCHE ON EGYPT'S MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON [...] PolOff met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation and Economic Integration Conmany Wesseh August 29 to deliver reftel demarche. Wesseh said that the Sirleaf Administration takes pandemic influenza very seriously but that the issue often falls below other pressin [...] |
2008-09-02 19:35:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | KFLU AORC TBIO EAGR EAID PREL LI |
| 08MONROVIA677 |
LIBERIA: DEMARCHE ON RUSSIAN RECOGNITION OF ABKHAZIA AND [...] PolOff met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation and Economic Integration Conmany Wesseh August 29 to deliver reftel demarche. Wesseh said that to his knowledge there had been no internal GOL discussions as of yet on formulating a position with respect to Russia [...] |
2008-09-03 08:59:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EAID RS GG LI |
| 08MONROVIA694 |
LIBERIA: DEMARCHE ON UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE [...] PolOff met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Cooperation and Economic Integration Conmany Wesseh September 10 to deliver reftel demarche. Wesseh, who was confirmed by the Liberian Senate September 9 to be Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said he would ha [...] |
2008-09-10 17:47:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL LI |
| 08MONROVIA70 |
LIBERIA: ELECTRIC COMPANY REQUESTS PARTNERSHIP WITH TVA; [...] (SBU) Harry Yuan, the Managing Director of the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC, the state-owned electricity provider) visited the Ambassador January 17 to request his assistance in arranging an association with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). He proposed a partnership between TVA and [...] |
2008-01-28 09:27:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG EAID BEXP AMGT ABLD ASEC OPIC LI |
| 08MONROVIA701 |
STAFFDEL SMITH LOOKS AT RULE OF LAW AND SECURITY IN [...] (U) SUMMARY. Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff members Shannon Smith (Biden) and Sarah Margon (Feingold) visited Liberia August 20-22. Their visit, which focused primarily on rule of law and security issues, included meetings with the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary G [...] |
2008-09-12 18:44:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV ECON EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA742 |
LIBERIA HOLDS RULE OF LAW RETREAT [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: After more than a year of rancor between Chief Justice Johnnie Lewis and Minister of Justice Phillip A.Z. Banks III over issues of separation of powers, the two came together to hold Liberia's first rule of law retreat September 15-16. In a mostly cordial atmosphere, the Judic [...] |
2008-09-24 16:30:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA753 |
CHINA'S ENGAGEMENT IN LIBERIA (UPDATE) [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. According to the Chinese Embassy, China has committed $88,347,400 in assistance to Liberia since 2006, contributing to all sectors of Liberia's Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) except Governance and Rule of Law. We understand that China was uncharacteristically outspoken during [...] |
2008-09-26 17:00:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EAGR ECPS EFIN MARR PREL SENV TRGY LI |
| 08MONROVIA765 |
LIBERIAN WAR CRIMES COURT ADVOCATE DETAINED FOR [...] (SBU) The National Security Agency (NSA) arrested Mulbah Morlu, leader of the "Forum for the Establishment of a War Crimes Court in Liberia," September 27 for calling President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf a "rebel" on local television September 26. Morlu was held at NSA headquarters until the Presi [...] |
2008-10-01 17:40:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL SOCI PHUM LI |
| 08MONROVIA772 |
LIBERIA: AGOA ELIGIBILITY REVIEW 2009 [...] (U) COUNTRY BACKGROUND SUMMARY: Liberia has a government that was democratically elected in multi-party elections in October/November 2005. The government has moved to exert its authority throughout the country but security still depends on the 12,000-strong UNMIL deployment. The first 2,000 [...] |
2008-10-06 08:00:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD LI |
| 08MONROVIA793 |
SCENESETTER FOR LIBERIA FOREST INITIATIVE RETREAT [...] SUMMARY: In the next few months, the GOL intends to award the last timber concessions on some of the largest tracts of the nation's forests for a generation. The revenue and employment these long-term timber concessions will provide is urgently needed. Regrettably, resumption of commercial ti [...] |
2008-10-10 11:09:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR PGOV EINV EAID SENV LI |
| 08MONROVIA87 |
LIBERIA: PROGRESS ON DEBT, BUT SPENDING REMAINS A [...] (U) SUMMARY: Liberia's fiscal picture is rosier in 2008 but there are still challenges. The July-September first quarter of FY 2007-08 saw revenue increase more than 50% from the same period the previous year, thanks to the Governance and Economic Management Assistance Program (GEMAP). The [...] |
2008-01-31 08:04:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN EAID ECON PGOV LI |
| 08MONROVIA891 |
LIBERIA: GOL SUBMITS PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ACT TO [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The GOL submitted a comprehensive Public Financial Management (PFM) Act to the Legislature August 28 that consolidates public financial management, and supports the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS). The PFM Act governs management of Liberia's public finances and provides the le [...] |
2008-10-31 17:44:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EFIN LI |
| 08MONROVIA896 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON LIBERIA UNGA VOTING RECORD [...] (C) Ambassador delivered reftel demarche to President Sirleaf October 31, stressing that while the USG is appreciative of Liberia's support on some critical votes at the UNGA, Liberia in fact has voted with the U.S. only 15% of the time overall. The Ambassador noted that with the impending ar [...] |
2008-11-03 15:43:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL UNGA LI |
| 08MONROVIA906 |
LIBERIA: IMF PREVIEWS ARTICLE IV [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Visiting IMF mission leader Robert Powell told Ambassador October 30 that Liberia was on track to reach HIPC Completion Point (CP) in mid-2010. The schedule for the CP is largely dependent upon implementation of the PFM Act (ref A) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ref C) for [...] |
2008-11-05 16:24:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EFIN LI |
| 08MONROVIA91 |
LIBERIA: EFFORTS TO COMBAT WEST AFRICAN DRUG [...] (U) SUMMARY: The Government of Liberia (GOL) does not currently have the will or resources to fight drug-trafficking. Liberia is not presently a major transshipment point for cocaine bound for Europe, but is likely to become so as infrastructure improves and UNMIL draws down. A small number [...] |
2008-01-31 17:41:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | SNAR PREL PGOV KCRM EAID SOCI LI |
| 08MONROVIA914 |
LIBERIA: CHANGES IN THE SENATE: ONE PARTY CHANGE AND ONE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Disputed Acting Senate President Pro Tempore Lahai Lasannah has resigned from the National Democratic Party of Liberia (NDPL) and joined the Liberty Party of Charles Brumskine. Suspended Pro Tempore Isaac Nyenabo is also a member of the NDPL. The case of who is the legitimate le [...] |
2008-11-14 12:11:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL SOCI PHUM LI |
| 08MONROVIA916 |
SRSG SEEKS USG SUPPORT TO MAINTAIN UNMIL TROOP [...] (C) Summary: SRSG Ellen Loej is concerned that UNMIL's ability to respond to threats will be impaired if the peacekeeping force is drawn down further than agreed to by the UNSC on September 29, and is seeking continued USG support for maintaining current troop levels for the foreseeable futur [...] |
2008-11-14 16:15:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV UNSC ASEC MARR LI |
| 08MONROVIA931 |
LIBERIA: FIRESTONE WORKERS' LEADERSHIP IN CORRUPTION [...] SUMMARY: Firestone workers have accused the leadership of the Firestone Agriculture Workers Union of Liberia (FAWUL) of failing to account for over US$150,000 of their dues. FAWUL leaders deny the allegations and the Ministry of Labor has instructed the union to resolve the matter through th [...] |
2008-11-18 09:32:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EINV EAID ETRD PGOV ECON LI |
| 08MONROVIA936 |
LIBERIA: GOL AUDITS REVEAL PROBLEMS BUT ALSO DEMONSTRATE [...] (U) SUMMARY: In an important display of improved economic governance, Liberia's independent General Accounting Commission (GAC) completed and published the first audit reports of GOL institutions since the re-establishment of the GAC in 2005. Audits of several other key government institution [...] |
2008-11-19 17:24:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EFIN LI |
| 08MONROVIA952 |
ANOTHER LAND DISPUTE TURNS VIOLENT [...] (U) According to several sources, violence broke out November 18 between two adjacent towns in the Tapeta District of Nimba County, Dumpa Town and Zoaplaye, over disputed communal farm land. The Tapeta District is primarily Gio whereas Dumpa Town is predominantly Mano. For some time the resi [...] |
2008-11-21 17:39:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV ASEC CASC LI |
| 08MONROVIA963 |
LIBERIA TO SOFTEN ITS VOTING PRACTICES ON [...] (C) Summary: The GOL will likely change some or all of its "yes" votes on resolutions with anti-Israel bias to "abstain" or be absent. It will support the resolution on compliance on nonproliferation, arms limitation, disarmament in the plenary (Japan lobbied heavily for Liberia's vote in th [...] |
2008-11-25 17:36:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | UNGA PREL MNUC PARM IAEA PA LI |
| 08MONROVIA964 |
LIBERIA: LAWMAKER CAUSES STIR AT TRC HEARING, COMMISSIONER [...] (U) SUMMARY: Margibi County lawmaker Saah R. Gbollie accused TRC Commissioner John H.T. Stewart of being a cause of the Liberian crisis at the ongoing Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearing. Representative Gbollie, testifying before the TRC, denied that he had committed any atrocit [...] |
2008-11-25 17:37:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PGOV PREL SOCI CVIS LI |
| 08MONROVIA965 |
LIBERIA: TAYLOR CONFIDANT MAURICE COOPER DIES [...] (SBU) Maurice Cooper, a confidant and informal advisor to former President Charles Taylor, died on August 10, 2008 and was buried at Cooper Farm, Cinta, Margibi County on August 20, 2008. Maurice Cooper's name has been on the UN Travel Ban List concerning Liberia since 2001 as an "associate of [...] |
2008-11-25 18:24:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PHUM UN LI |
| 08MONROVIA970 |
LIBERIA: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSIONS PREP FOR 2011 RACE [...] SUMMARY: The Ambassador met with the National Elections Commission (NEC) November 28 to discuss preparations for the 2011 presidential election. NEC shares our view that a free, fair, and on-time election is a crucial milestone in Liberia's democratic transition, but remains concerned any fur [...] |
2008-11-28 17:11:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV EAID LI |
| 08MONROVIA976 |
LIBERIA: 2008-09 INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRATEGY [...] Attached is the text of Liberia's 2008-09 INSCR report. The text has been e-mailed as instructed reftel. Monrovia POC is economic officer Lucy Abbott abbottlk@state.gov. (Note: URLs exceeding 55 characters have been removed but are included in the text sent via e-mail. End note.) 2. B [...] |
2008-12-01 08:06:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KCRM EFIN KTFN SNAR ECON LI |
| 08MONROVIA977 |
JAILBREAK AT MONROVIA CENTRAL PRISON [...] A reported 135 prisoners escaped from the Monrovia Central Prison (MCP) December 1. Liberia National Police (LNP) immediately set up roadblocks and searched neighborhoods around the MCP and up to 68 prisoners have reportedly been recaptured. The LNP Emergency Response Unit has been deployed [...] |
2008-12-01 17:25:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC CASC PHUM PGOV LI |
| 08MONROVIA98 |
LIBERIA: PRESIDENT'S 2008 ANNUAL MESSAGE TO [...] (U) SUMMARY. In her Annual Message to the Legislature January 28, President Sirleaf called corruption Liberia's "number one enemy" and asked the Legislature to pass the draft bills establishing the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Code of Conduct for Public Servants soon. She also asked th [...] |
2008-02-01 15:13:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV KCRM KCOR EAID ECON LI |
| 08MONROVIA986 |
CALM RETURNS TO MONROVIA CENTRAL PRISON AFTER [...] (SBU) Calm has returned to the Monrovia Central Prison following a jailbreak December 1 (reftel). UNMIL Police (UNPOL) Commissioner Henrik Stiernblad told Emboffs December 2 that a total of 202 prisoners escaped the prison. A total of 64 people were arrested in the ensuing search, but in fact [...] |
2008-12-03 16:52:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | ASEC CASC PHUM PGOV KCRM LI |
| 08MONROVIA993 |
LIBERIA: LEDFC AT ONE -- LESSONS LEARNED [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The OPIC-funded Liberia Enterprises DevQopment Finance Company (LEDFC) is faltering but can probably be salvaged. Both the recently-resigned LEDFC General Manager and current CHF International caretakers cite the lack of adequate business service support and mentoring as a facto [...] |
2008-12-05 11:04:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV EFIN ETRD ECON OPIC LI |
| 08MONROVIA999 |
LIBERIA: GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS MAY PRESENT [...] (U) SUMMARY: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her new economic management team hosted a well-attended roundtable discussion on the impact of the global financial crisis on Liberia. Although Liberia's economic isolation and lack of debt service requirements buffer the economy, the GOL expect [...] |
2008-12-05 11:54:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN PGOV ETRD EAID EINV ECON LI |
| 09MONROVIA102 |
LIBERIA: GENERAL AUDITING COMMISSION REAFFIRMS [...] (U) Summary: During an introductory call by the Ambassador, Auditor General (AG) John Morlu II praised President Sirleaf's commitment to anti-corruption and reaffirmed his support for her efforts to improve transparency and accountability in government in the face of frequent resistance. Morl [...] |
2009-02-02 17:02:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN EAID ECON PINR LI |
| 09MONROVIA103 |
LIBERIA: AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MONROVIA (FOR [...] (SBU) The American International School of Monrovia (AISM) was established in 2007 with the strong encouragement and support of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The GOL provided the land and building, and sees AISM as an essential element in creating a climate that will facilitate foreign inve [...] |
2009-02-02 17:06:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV EFIN ETRD ECON OPIC LI |
| 09MONROVIA118 |
LIBERIA: SENATOR ACQUITTED IN MURDER TRIAL [...] (U) SUMMARY. Margibi County Junior Senator Roland Kaine was acquitted of murder by Criminal Court "B" at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia on February 5. Senator Kaine was accused along with 15 others of murdering 21 youths in Grand Bassa County on June 7, 2008 in a land dispute. Six of the a [...] |
2009-02-06 13:23:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KRCM ASEC CASC PREL PHUM LI |
| 09MONROVIA119 |
LIBERIA: GOL ANNOUNCES PRICE CUTS AND TAX CUTS [...] SUMMARY: The Liberian Ministry of Commerce lowered price ceilings on rice, petroleum and cement on January 29. The cuts come three days after the President announced a decrease in business and personal tax rates during her annual "State of the Nation" address January 26 (ref A). The President [...] |
2009-02-06 17:00:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN PGOV ECON EAGR LI |
| 09MONROVIA125 |
LIBERIA: PRESIDENT SIRLEAF TESTIFIES AT TRC [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: After postponing several times, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf testified behind closed doors to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on February 12. Her testimony was subsequently broadcast on local radio stations. Sirleaf admitted being an early sympathizer of Charle [...] |
2009-02-13 12:49:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM PREL LI |
| 09MONROVIA13 |
QADHAFI VISITS LIBERIA [...] (U) Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi met with President Sirleaf January 3 in what the Executive Mansion termed a "transit stopover" at Roberts International Airport. According to press accounts, the two discussed "a wide range of issues, including bilateral relations between the two countries, th [...] |
2009-01-05 17:46:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV KDEM ASEC GV LY LI |
| 09MONROVIA134 |
LIBERIA: MONROVIA'S NEW MAYOR CLEANING UP CITY FAST [...] (SBU) President Sirleaf appointed her friend and trusted confidante, Mary Broh, as Mayor of the City of Monrovia on February 6. As Mayor, Broh replaces the political placeholder Ophelia Hoff-Saytumah, wife of Minister of State for Economic and Legal Affairs, Morris Saytumah. The appointment [...] |
2009-02-17 18:43:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL ECON ABLG SOCI LI |
| 09MONROVIA142 |
LIBERIA: AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH JEWEL HOWARD TAYLOR [...] (C) The Ambassador met with former First Lady and current Senior Senator from Bong County Jewel Howard Taylor February 10, at the Senator's request. Taylor remarked that she has not been invited to the Embassy since 2000 or 2001 because of her inclusion on the UN Travel Ban List, and said she [...] |
2009-02-18 16:54:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EAID LI |
| 09MONROVIA147 |
LIBERIA: VOLUME I OF TRC REPORT PUBLISHED, ICGL [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) submitted Volume I of its Final Report to the GOL December 19 (reftel) and just recently made it public on its website (www.trcofliberia.org). The report included a list of the "most significant" warring factions (see paragraph 5) and [...] |
2009-02-20 16:28:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID LI |
| 09MONROVIA160 |
WHO WILL SUCCEED ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF? [...] (C) Summary: The next presidential elections in Liberia are almost three years away, and we sense that in many ways Liberian politicians are already gearing up for them. Potential candidates are building constituencies, keeping themselves in the press, and otherwise talking themselves up. Ho [...] |
2009-02-26 14:03:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV LI |
| 09MONROVIA161 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: UN APPEALS TRIBUNAL - SUPPORTING AMCIT [...] No summary [...] |
2009-02-27 13:56:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC APER KAWC KJUS KUNR PREL UNGA |
| 09MONROVIA162 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED (2ND REQUEST/FOLLOWUP): UN APPEALS [...] No summary [...] |
2009-02-27 13:56:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC APER KAWC KJUS KUNR PREL UNGA |
| 09MONROVIA168 |
CONTROVERSIAL POLICE APPOINTMENT OVERSHADOWS [...] (C) Summary: The recent appointment of former Police Director Paul Mulbah as "Advisor" to the Liberia National Police (LNP) has overshadowed several positive steps by the GOL to reform LNP operations. Human rights organizations have accused Mulbah of ordering torture and other human rights a [...] |
2009-03-03 17:26:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | KCRM PREL PHUM PGOV ASEC LI |
| 09MONROVIA169 |
LIBERIA: UNITY PARTY SETBACK IN BY-ELECTION FOR [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a severe setback for President Sirleaf's Unity Party, its candidate, Liberia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Conmany Wesseh, lost a senatorial by-election run-off in River Gee County to Nathaniel Williams (Liberia Destiny Party), a River Gee Senator during the [...] |
2009-03-03 18:56:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL EAID CASC LI |
| 09MONROVIA170 |
RECRUITERS FOR GUARD FORCE IN IRAQ CAUSE STIR IN [...] (C) The Project Manager of Sabre International called on EmbOffs March 3 with two local sub-contractors to brief us on their efforts in Monrovia to recruit Liberians for armed static guard positions in Iraq. They said the recruitment was under the Theatre-Wide Internal Security Services progra [...] |
2009-03-04 07:51:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | MASS PREL ASEC IZ LI |
| 09MONROVIA186 |
LIBERIA: AMBASSADOR TOURS RECOVERING LIBERIA PETROLEUM [...] (U) SUMMARY: Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC) Managing Director Harry Greaves outlined an ambitious strategic development plan during the Ambassador's tour of LPRC facilities on February 23. The state-owned petroleum import and storage monopoly has undergone impressive financial and [...] |
2009-03-10 11:59:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EPET EWWT ECON EINV PGOV LI |
| 09MONROVIA188 |
PRO-TAYLOR ELEMENTS STILL A FORCE TO BE RECKONED [...] (C) Summary: The recent remarks by Special Court for Sierra Leone prosecutor Stephen Rapp suggesting Charles Taylor may go free because of budgetary reasons caused alarm within the GOL and has emboldened Taylor supporters. Communication inside the Taylor camp remains intact, and those in leadership [...] |
2009-03-10 12:51:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV UNSC PHUM KCRM LI |
| 09MONROVIA19 |
LIBERIA: WEAK LEADERSHIP UNDERMINES COMMERCIAL FORESTRY [...] (SBU) Summary: Weak leadership at the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) has delayed resumption of commercial logging, placed millions of dollars of potential revenue at risk and jeopardized the success of the forestry reform program. The companies bidding on logging concessions consistent [...] |
2009-01-07 13:29:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR PGOV ECON EAID SENV LI |
| 09MONROVIA209 |
LIBERIA: NATIONAL ELECTIONS COMMISSION REVOKES LICENSES OF [...] (U) Summary: The National Elections Commission (NEC) has revoked the licenses of ten political parties for violating the constitution and election laws of Liberia. The revocation came after persistent warnings that the parties were not in compliance with the law. Twenty registered parties rem [...] |
2009-03-20 11:13:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM PREL KDEM EAID LI |
| 09MONROVIA218 |
LIBERIA: 1200 DELEGATES ATTEND INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S [...] (U) SUMMARY: President Sirleaf and President of Finland Tarja Halonen convened the successful "International Colloquium on Women's Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security" March 7-8 at the Samuel K. Doe Stadium in Monrovia. The resulting "Monrovia Declaration" cal [...] |
2009-03-24 15:08:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON EAID KPAO LI |
| 09MONROVIA219 |
LIBERIA: IMPACT OF GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS WORSENS [...] SUMMARY: Both the GOL and International Monetary Fund (IMF) report that the impact of the global financial crisis on Liberia may be more serious than previously expected (reftels). The IMF has revised Liberia's growth projections downward from 10.3% to 6% for 2009, and from 14.8% to 8% in 201 [...] |
2009-03-24 17:35:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV ECON EFIN LI |
| 09MONROVIA22 |
LIBERIA TO WORK WITH ECOWAS ON GUINEA ACCORDING TO [...] (C) National Security Advisor Dr. Henry Boima Fahnbulleh told Ambassador and Deputy UN SRSG Jordan Ryan January 8 that Liberia fully backs the ECOWAS initiative to press the junta in Guinea to hold elections as soon as practical (he mentioned November 2009 as a likely date) as a "middle way" b [...] |
2009-01-08 15:39:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV GV LI |
| 09MONROVIA227 |
FRAUD SUMMARY - LIBERIA, SEPTEMBER - FEBRUARY 2009 [...] (U) COUNTRY CONDITIONS: Liberia continues its gradual recovery from fourteen years of civil war. Limited parts of the capital city, Monrovia, have electricity and the city still lacks a functioning water/sewer system and telephone network; health care is substandard. Government institution [...] |
2009-03-30 16:09:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | KFRD CVIS CPAS CMGT ASEC LI |
| 09MONROVIA241 |
LIBERIA: SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN PORT SECURITY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) International Port Security (IPS) Program country visit team reported March 27 that they will recommend that Liberia be found in compliance with the minimum International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code standards, at which time restrictions on ship [...] |
2009-04-03 08:32:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EWWT EFIS PHSA SENV LI |
| 09MONROVIA242 |
LIBERIA: AMBASSADOR DEDICATES USPS-DONATED POST OFFICE [...] Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield formally dedicated over 2,000 post office boxes and other postal equipment at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) on March 27. The post office boxes and postal equipment were donated by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and delivered March 2008 as [...] |
2009-04-03 10:05:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | ECPS EAID ECON LI |
| 09MONROVIA258 |
LIBERIA: AIRPORT SECURITY DEFICIENCIES MAY DELAY [...] (C) SUMMARY: It remains unlikely that Roberts International Airport (RIA) will meet minimum standards for certification by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in time for Delta Airlines' scheduled inauguration of direct flights between the United States and Liberia June 8, despit [...] |
2009-04-10 14:08:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | ASEC EAIR ECON ETRD LI PGOV |
| 09MONROVIA26 |
LIBERIA: PRS GOVERNANCE AND RULE OF LAW PILLAR ON [...] (C) SUMMARY: Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs Amara Konneh is frustrated with how the Governance and Rule of Law (GRL) Pillar of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) is functioning and has asked the President to assign it to another Minister. According to Konneh, the agreement made at [...] |
2009-01-08 17:53:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID LI |
| 09MONROVIA262 |
LIBERIA: POWER PROJECT AND MINING CONCESSION RECEIVE [...] (U) The Liberian Legislature ratified two major concessions April 1: the $150 million Buchanan Renewable Power (BRP) plant to produce electricity by burning chipped rubber wood (Ref A), and the $2.6 billion China Union Mineral Development Agreement (MDA) to mine iron ore (Ref B). The two conce [...] |
2009-04-14 13:18:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EFIN LI |
| 09MONROVIA289 |
LIBERIA: RUBBER SECTOR OVERVIEW [...] (U) SUMMARY: Liberia's rubber sector provides 5.5% of its economic output, 85% of its exports and work for an estimated 50,000 Liberians. Roughly 40% of Liberia's rubber comes from small, Liberian-owned farms, with the remainder produced on large foreign-owned concessions. There has been l [...] |
2009-04-28 08:01:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR ECON ELAB EINV PHUM PGOV LI |
| 09MONROVIA310 |
LIBERIA: DEMARCHES DELIVERED ON SHIP RECYCLING AND PIRACY [...] (U) Econoff delivered Ref B demarche regarding the May 29 meeting of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) to Bureau of Maritime Affairs Commissioner Binyah Kesselly on May 1 and Ref A updated information and talking points on May 5. Commissioner Kesselly welcomed the me [...] |
2009-05-06 14:43:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EIND ETRD EWWT IMO KTIA MARR PREL SENV LI |
| 09MONROVIA311 |
LIBERIA: FISHERIES UPDATE HIGHLIGHTS POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH [...] SUMMARY: The fisheries sector has great potential for increased production and employment, but Liberia continues to import roughly twice the amount of fish it produces. According to the 2008 Annual Report from the Bureau of National Fisheries (BNF), profit margins for fish production are rela [...] |
2009-05-06 17:27:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIS ECON ETRD PGOV LI |
| 09MONROVIA318 |
SCENESETTER ON UN ISSUES FOR LIBERIA VISIT OF UN [...] (U) America has always had a special place in the hearts of Liberians and that esteem has grown since the end of the civil war. Thousands of Liberians found refuge in the United States during the war, and around 400,000 Liberians, from a population of fewer than four million, now call America [...] |
2009-05-08 13:11:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | UNSC PREL PGOV ECON OVIP LI |
| 09MONROVIA33 |
LIBERIA: Ambassador's Introductory Call on Minister of Post [...] (SBU) Summary: During an introductory call by the Ambassador, Minister of Post and Telecommunications (MPT) Jeremiah Sulunteh reviewed progress since the visit by former USPS Chief Inspector Lazaroff in 2007, which he termed "very significant for Liberia Post," and expressed appreciation for U [...] |
2009-01-12 12:57:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECPS EAID ECON LI |
| 09MONROVIA352 |
LIBERIA VOTES FOR KOSOVO'S WORLD BANK MEMBERSHIP [...] No summary [...] |
2009-05-22 13:35:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EFIN PREL KV LI |
| 09MONROVIA365 |
LIBERIA: Census confirms population estimates; ignores [...] The final Census, released May 21, confirms a population of 3,476,608 Liberians. It notes a growth rate of 2.1% since the last census in 1984, and projects a doubling time of 33 years. There is no mention of the deaths (estimated at 250,000) or the massive emigration during the years of confl [...] |
2009-05-27 14:49:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | SOCI ECON PGOV LI |
| 09MONROVIA373 |
LIBERIA: REFORMS BOOST INVESTMENT CLIMATE [...] Liberia continues to work at improving the business climate and moving up the IFC's "Doing Business" index. Eighteen new reforms, following up on 21 last year, simplify requirements for Starting a Business, Trading Across Borders, Registering Property, and Construction Permits. (See para. 5. [...] |
2009-05-29 11:05:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | EINV BEXP ETRD EAID ECON KMCA LI |
| 09MONROVIA374 |
LIBERIA:MAY 29TH MEETING OF CONTACT GROUP ON [...] (U) The May 29 meeting of the Contact Group on Piracy of the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) will be attended by Liberia. The following individuals plan to attend: * Margaret Ansumana, Deputy Commissioner and Delegation Leader, BMA *David Friesen, Head of Maritime Security, LISCR *Victor Do [...] |
2009-05-29 11:51:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | MARR ECON PREL PGOV EWWT KCRM PBTS PHSA LI |
| 09MONROVIA375 |
LIBERIA: DRAFT BUDGET IS BIGGER AND MORE DETAILED [...] (U) The GOL submitted its 2009-10 draft budget for legislative consideration on May 19. Despite the global financial crunch, the budget, at $347 million, shows a 16% increase over last year's and over 400% growth from the $80 million budget when the Sirleaf administration took office. It incl [...] |
2009-05-29 11:51:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN EINV ECON EAID PGOV LI |
| 09MONROVIA390 |
UN SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT SIRLEAF [...] (SBU) Summary: Meeting with the UN Security Council during their May 19-20 visit to Liberia, President Sirleaf expressed strong support for a continued UNMIL presence until Liberia can take over its own security. On several occasions, she called the peace "fragile" and easily able to be rever [...] |
2009-06-02 16:39:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KPKO LI PGOV PREL UNSC |
| 09MONROVIA401 |
LIBERIA: MEDIA REACTION: A NEW BEGINNING SPEECH [...] SUMMARY: On June 4, 2009, the Public Diplomacy Section delivered copies of President Obama's speech to Mosques and media houses throughout Monrovia. Liberians watched the speech live on CNN and BBC in cafes and restaurants. Radio stations replayed the speech several times that day. Newspapers p [...] |
2009-06-05 15:39:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | OEXC SCUL KPAO LI |
| 09MONROVIA402 |
PROGRESS REPORT: THE GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY RESPONSE (GFSR) [...] SUMMARY: USAID/Liberia is pleased to respond to reftel with this brief progress report on the $10 million Supplemental funds received to enhance Liberia's food security. The funds have been programmed to build on the success of the existing USAID Liberia's agricultural programs and to launch a [...] |
2009-06-08 09:19:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID LI ECON |
| 09MONROVIA41 |
PRESIDENT SIRLEAF'S POSITION AT ECOWAS SUMMIT [...] (C) President Sirleaf confirmed to Ambassador January 12 that she was "instrumental" in removing a provision in the draft ECOWAS communique on Guinea calling for sanctions (leaving in a condemnation of the coup, suspension of Guinea from ECOWAS, and a demand that the CNDD take immediate steps [...] |
2009-01-13 17:05:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV ASEC GV LI |
| 09MONROVIA415 |
LIBERIA: BANKING SYSTEM STABILIZING DESPITE CHALLENGES [...] (SBU) Summary: Although banking services remain concentrated in Monrovia, the number of banks is increasing and most are expanding their reach outside the capital. Indicators of financial soundness are improving, and there is competition to increase services beyond money transfers and fee-bas [...] |
2009-06-10 17:52:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN EINV PGOV LI |
| 09MONROVIA430 |
LIBERIA: GOL RECEIVES TSA REPORT ON AIRPORT SECURITY [...] (SBU) A/DCM and Econoff delivered TSA's report to Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) Director General Rich Williams on June 8, just after the announcement that TSA had not approved Delta's planned service to Monrovia that had been scheduled to start June 9. Williams said he had advised b [...] |
2009-06-16 18:12:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON LI |
| 09MONROVIA431 |
LIBERIA: 2009 REPORT ON INVESTMENT DISPUTES AND [...] (SBU) The United States Government is aware of one claim of United States persons that may be outstanding against the Government of Liberia (GOL; under the National Transitional Government of Liberia - NTGL). a. Claimant A b. 2004 c. In late 2003 and spring 2004, a locally incorporated [...] |
2009-06-16 18:23:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | CASC EINV ECON KIDE OPIC PGOV LI |
| 09MONROVIA432 |
LIBERIA: DELEGATION WILL ATTEND AU SUMMIT [...] No summary [...] |
2009-06-16 18:25:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KSUM PREL ECON AU LI |
| 09MONROVIA443 |
LIBERIA: BUCHANAN RENEWABLES RAISES SUNKEN WRECK [...] On May 23, Buchanan Renewables (BR) removed the wreck of the Torm Alexandra, which sank at Monrovia Freeport pier while unloading in July 2001. After initial unsuccessful attempts to raise the ship, the owners had relinquished title to the Liberia National Port Authority. Two subsequent effo [...] |
2009-06-22 07:56:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EINV ETRD EWWT LI |
| 09MONROVIA46 |
LIBERIA: NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY ON OPIC PROJECT [...] (SBU) Summary: The new head of National Housing Authority has assured Post that the title granting 100 acres of land to the National Housing Authority for an OPIC-funded housing project is clear, and that title to the remaining 200 acres should be confirmed shortly. Post has asked the Ministr [...] |
2009-01-15 08:07:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV EFIN ECON OPIC LI |
| 09MONROVIA462 |
MONROVIA APPROVAL: DIPLOMATIC POUCH SHIPMENT [...] No summary [...] |
2009-06-26 12:38:00 | Embassy Monrovia | SECRET | ASEC PTER |
| 09MONROVIA469 |
WITHDRAWAL OF SAUDI LOAN IMPERILS LIBERIA'S PORT REFORM [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Saudi Development Fund may be unable to fulfill its promise to provide a $50 million soft loan to renovate the Freeport of Monrovia, after Saudi Arabia and Liberia were unable to reschedule outstanding debt on terms comparable to the Paris Club. Without the Saudi loan, the [...] |
2009-06-30 13:05:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAID EFIN PREL LI |
| 09MONROVIA479 |
LIBERIA INKS MORE TRANSPARENT DEAL FOR SHIP REGISTRY [...] SUMMARY: The Liberian Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR) signed a new 10-year deal with the GOL June 30 to manage the country's lucrative "flags of convenience" business. Weary from years of haggling with the Bureau of Maritime Affairs (BMA) over control of revenues, and spurned by specious [...] |
2009-07-06 15:10:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EWWT EINV LI |
| 09MONROVIA483 |
NEW MAYOR CLEANS UP CITY HALL [...] (SBU) Summary: Acting Mayor Mary Broh has begun working as Monrovia's mayor without confirmation by the Senate. She has taken on efforts to rationalize city operations with the same vigor she has shown to clean up Monrovia's streets, clear some of the corruption from the port and reorganize t [...] |
2009-07-08 08:09:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL ECON SOCI EAID LI |
| 09MONROVIA487 |
LIBERIAN PRESIDENT NAMED IN TRC REPORT FOR HER ASSOCIATION [...] (SBU) Summary: Reaction to the of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's final report of the Liberian civil crisis is mixed but steadily growing several days after its June 30 release. The GOL did not publically respond to the report's recommendation that President Sirleaf be banned from pu [...] |
2009-07-08 15:58:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KJUS PREL KDEM PINR EAID ASEC LI |
| 09MONROVIA50 |
LIBERIA: FOURTH SESSION OF 52ND LEGISLATURE OPENS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The Liberian House and Senate held separate opening ceremonies January 12 to mark the beginning of the Fourth Session of the 52nd Legislature. About two-thirds of the Legislators were present, with some members still abroad after four months of recess. Vice President Boakai, a [...] |
2009-01-15 17:29:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL EAID LI |
| 09MONROVIA52 |
LIBERIA: Donor Support Remains Essential As Economy [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The IMF remains cautiously optimistic about Liberia's economic outlook and we anticipate current USG assistance programs will be adequate to address the challenges of the financial crisis. Liberia's rubber exports are down (for domestic reasons), resumption of timber exports is [...] |
2009-01-20 16:13:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID EFIN ETRD EINV ECON LI |
| 09MONROVIA524 |
LIBERIA'S FINAL BUDGET A STUDY IN WISHFUL THINKING [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In the midst of anemic commodity prices, flagging interest from would-be concessionaires and reduced growth forecasts, Liberia's National Legislature has approved an amended budget for 2009-2010, adding almost $25 million in expenditures to the Ministry of Finance's proposed $34 [...] |
2009-07-20 11:03:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN LI |
| 09MONROVIA532 |
REACTION TO THE TRC REPORT -- A CALMER TONE [...] (C) Summary: Two weeks after the TRC report was released public opinion still does not appear to be fully informed of the content of the report. Debate centers around the most publicized aspects of the report, the banning of President Sirleaf from future public office and discussion of who was [...] |
2009-07-21 14:58:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KJUS PREL KDEM PINR EAID ASEC LI |
| 09MONROVIA533 |
GOL VOWS THAT FRIVOLOUS LAWSUIT AND DEFUNCT SAUDI LOAN WILL [...] SUMMARY: The Government of Liberia (GOL) has chosen to move forward with its search for a port management company to rehabilitate and oversee the Freeport of Monrovia. Saudi Arabia's withdrawal of a highly-concessional loan for port renovations (Ref A), and the recent revelation of an outstand [...] |
2009-07-21 17:34:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAID EWWT LI |
| 09MONROVIA540 |
UNSC LIBERIA SANCTIONS COMMITTEE: INFO REPSONSE [...] In response to our request, the MFA provided the following information on Martin George: Name: Martin O. N. George Date of Birth: August 3, 1947 Place of Birth: Buchanan, Grand Bassa County Passport No.: Not available Parents: Rev. Coker A. J. George, Sr. (Deceased) Mrs. Etta Russel [...] |
2009-07-24 10:52:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ETTC KTFN PREL PTER UNSC LI |
| 09MONROVIA547 |
LIBERIA: SECURITY SITUATION STABLE; NO TARGETING OF [...] THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST. PLEASE SEE PARAGRAPH 7. 2. SUMMARY. Embassy requests that DRL transmit this information to Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The security situation in Liberia continues to improve and post has received no reports that individuals are being attacked or harmed f [...] |
2009-07-29 15:27:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL PGOV KWMN KCRM KDEM LI |
| 09MONROVIA549 |
PRESIDENT RESPONDS TO TAYLOR,S ACCUSATIONS IN [...] (C) SUMMARY. Appeals for reconciliation in the wake of the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) report's release were amplified during events commemorating 162 years of independence. International visitors, including Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang and Economic Commu [...] |
2009-07-30 09:58:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL KDEM KJUS PINR EG LI |
| 09MONROVIA550 |
ECOWAS COMMISSION PRESIDENT ON TRUTH AND [...] (C) SUMMARY. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission President Mohamed Ibn Chambas shared his concerns with Ambassador that if the GOL does not respond appropriately to the Liberian Truth and Reconciliation Commission's (TRC) recommendations, the situation could degrade. [...] |
2009-07-30 16:36:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KJUS PREL KDEM PINR GV LI |
| 09MONROVIA565 |
LIBERIA: CAN LEDFC SALVAGE ITS FLOUNDERING BUSINESS? [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Short on cash and wracked by non-performing loans, the Liberian Enterprise Development Finance Company (LEDFC) will exhaust its operating capital and be forced to close by February 2010 if it cannot raise $1 million in additional funds. Questioning LEDFC's long-term viability, t [...] |
2009-08-04 17:11:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV LI |
| 09MONROVIA567 |
LIBERIA: RULING PARTY EXECUTIVES HOLD EXTRAORDINARY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Over 100 executive members of the ruling Unity Party (U.P.), including President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, attended a one-day extraordinary party conference on July 11. Party executives agreed to hold a national convention in October 2009 where all leadership positions will be con [...] |
2009-08-05 16:57:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM LI |
| 09MONROVIA569 |
LIBERIA: NO TARGETING OF CHUCKIE TAYLOR SUPPORTERS [...] THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST. Please see paragraph 7. 2. SUMMARY. Embassy requests that DRL transmit the following information to Department of Homeland Security (DHS). There have been no reports of threats or intimidation against former President Charles Taylor, his son "Chuckie" Taylor, thei [...] |
2009-08-05 17:28:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL PGOV KWMN KCRM KDEM LI |
| 09MONROVIA570 |
LIBERIA: SUDDEN DEATH OF MONROVIA-AREA SENATOR [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Montserrado County Senator Hanna Brent of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) died in Monrovia on August 3. The cause of death has not been made public. Senator Brent is the sixth legislator to die since January 2006. The race to succeed her is expected to be i [...] |
2009-08-06 08:03:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM SOCI KDEM EAID LI |
| 09MONROVIA589 |
LIBERIA: PROTESTERS CALL FOR OUSTER OF PRESIDENT [...] SUMMARY. A group of about 50 people demonstrated peacefully at the Embassy on August 7, calling for the creation of a war crimes tribunal and the resignation of President Sirleaf. They also asked the USG to stop the GOL from harassing Mulbah Morlu. A second demonstration may occur on Augus [...] |
2009-08-11 15:46:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC CASC PHUM PREL PGOV KDEM LI |
| 09MONROVIA602 |
TRANSITION FROM TRC TO HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION [...] (C) SUMMARY. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has kicked off the establishment of Liberia's Independent National Human Rights Commission (INHRC) by handing the Senate a list of commissioner nominees for approval. This newest human rights commission iteration is the latest attempt by successive [...] |
2009-08-20 14:10:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM KJUS KDEM LI |
| 09MONROVIA609 |
ARREST OF PAKISTANI MALAFIDE PASSENGERS LAYS BARE WEAKNESS [...] (SBU) Summary: The removal of two malafide Pakistanis from a Brussels Airlines August 12 flight to Brussels by airline officials, and the GOL's subsequent investigation, has brought to light a well developed smuggling operation using the Roberts International Airport (RIA) VIP Lounge as a way [...] |
2009-08-24 17:59:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC EAIR ECON KFRD CPAS PREL PGOV KCRM EAID LI |
| 09MONROVIA612 |
LOCKHEED MARTIN INKS MANAGEMENT DEAL FOR LIBERIA'S AIRPORT [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Lockheed Martin has signed a limited-liability six-month contract with the Ministry of Transport to manage Roberts International Airport (RIA), enhance safety and security procedures, and develop ancillary revenue streams. While the existing agreement promises limited profits fo [...] |
2009-08-25 13:49:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAIR LI |
| 09MONROVIA618 |
CODEL BUTTERFIELD MEETING WITH PRESIDENT SIRLEAF [...] (U) August 17, 2009; Monrovia, Liberia. 2. (U) PARTICIPANTS: U.S. Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Brooks Robinson Representative G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) Representative Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX) Representative Lacy Clay (D-MO) Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI) Representative Steven Cohen (D-TN) [...] |
2009-08-27 17:34:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON LI OVIP EINV ETRD EAIR EAGR EWWT |
| 09MONROVIA619 |
MONROVIA: RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE TO AFRICAN STATES [...] (SBU) Charge raised Ref A demarche points with Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador William Bull in an August 27 meeting. Bull told Charge that he will discuss the Viktor Bout situation with relevant Liberian authorities. He noted the GOL's neutral position regarding the prosecution of former [...] |
2009-08-27 18:15:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KCRM PTER CO RS TH LI |
| 09MONROVIA626 |
DESPITE SECURITY BREACH, BRUSSELS AIRLINES TO CONTINUE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: After considering suspending operations of its Monrovia-Brussels flight following the discovery of a passport fraud ring and threats to its staff, Brussels Airlines has determined that it can shore up existing gaps in security, customs and immigration procedures and continue ope [...] |
2009-08-28 13:07:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAIR AMGT KFRD LI |
| 09MONROVIA628 |
LIBERIA PASSES LONG-AWAITED PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ACT [...] No summary [...] |
2009-08-28 13:46:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV ECON EFIN LI |
| 09MONROVIA646 |
LIBERIA: PRESIDENT SIRLEAF DISSOLVES MAYORAL TASK FORCE, [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has dissolved a task force headed by Acting Monrovia City Mayor, Mary Broh, and apologized to members of the National Muslim Council after Broh and members of her task force were involved in a scuffle with Muslims at a mosque in Monrovia on August [...] |
2009-09-03 11:35:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM SOCI LI |
| 09MONROVIA661 |
FLAWED THRESHOLD BILL LIKELY TO MOVE FORWARD [...] (C) SUMMARY. The Liberian House of Representatives approved a Threshold Bill on September 3 that is the same as the one passed earlier by the Senate. The final bill will double the maximum population in a constituency to 40,000 with a proviso that no county shall have fewer than two seats in [...] |
2009-09-11 12:40:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM EAID LI |
| 09MONROVIA662 |
LIBERIA: PRESIDENT DISMISSES OIL COMPANY HEAD AMID [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf dismissed the head of the state-owned Liberia Petroleum Refining Corporation (LPRC) on September 5, following a Ministry of Justice probe into the alleged acceptance of bribes in exchange for a USD 24.8 million concession. Sirleaf's sacking of a lo [...] |
2009-09-11 13:02:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV ENGR LI |
| 09MONROVIA673 |
LIBERIAN DOLLAR'S DOWNWARD SLIDE PRESENTS FRESH HARDSHIPS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: For the past three years, the Liberian Dollar (LD) maintained relative exchange rate stability, weathering double-digit inflation, ever-increasing import prices, and delayed revenue from lucrative mining and timber contracts, thanks to cautious monetary and fiscal policy. Yet, [...] |
2009-09-16 17:30:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON LI |
| 09MONROVIA674 |
LIBERIA SHOWS MODEST IMPROVEMENT IN WORLD BANK'S DOING [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Liberia moved up the scale of the World Bank's "Doing Business Indicators" for the third year in a row, jumping eight spots to 149th out of 183 countries. While Liberia implemented quick-win procedural improvements that garnered it a place among the top ten reformers of 2009, f [...] |
2009-09-17 16:47:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON LI |
| 09MONROVIA69 |
LIBERIA: CDC CONVENTION FAILS TO HEAL RIFT IN PARTY [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the largest opposition party in Liberia, has been fractured into two since April 2008 (reftel), with one faction supporting 2005 presidential candidate George Weah and the other against, arguing that the uneducated soccer star left Liberia [...] |
2009-01-21 08:32:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV EAID LI |
| 09MONROVIA691 |
FINAL, EDITED TRC REPORT TO BE RELEASED IN OCTOBER [...] (C) SUMMARY. Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Chairman Jerome Verdier confirmed to us on September 17 that the TRC's final, edited report's release date, expected on September 1, has been pushed to at least mid-October, when 200 copies of the report will be available for government o [...] |
2009-09-28 08:33:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM KJUS EAID LI |
| 09MONROVIA695 |
SIRLEAF VETO PUSHES THRESHOLD BILL BACK TO [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. On September 17, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf exercised her line-item veto authority to reject the Threshold Bill segment guaranteeing each county a minimum of two seats in the House of Representatives. This followed a determination by the Solicitor General confirming the t [...] |
2009-09-29 10:17:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV KDEM EAID LI |
| 09MONROVIA698 |
LIBERIA's OIL PROSPECTS INCREASE FOLLOWING DISCOVERY IN [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: An oil discovery September 16 at a deepwater exploration site in Sierra Leone along the Liberian border increases the prospects of unearthing oil along Liberia's geologically similar coast. The highly-publicized find coincides with the National Oil Company of Liberia's (NOCAL [...] |
2009-09-30 07:50:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ENGR LI |
| 09MONROVIA70 |
LIBERIA: A NEW, ASSERTIVE BUREAU OF MARITIME AFFAIRS [...] (SBU) Summary: Recently appointed Liberian Bureau of Maritime Affairs (BMA) Commissioner Binyah Kesselly is seeking to assert tighter control over the country's outsourced shipping registry and has embarked on an ambitious program to transform Liberia into a "maritime nation" by expanding BMA [...] |
2009-01-21 10:03:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EWWT EFIS PHSA SENV LI |
| 09MONROVIA720 |
PRESIDENT SIRLEAF ON HER VISIT TO CONAKRY [...] (C) Ambassador met with President Sirleaf on September 28 to raise, among other issues, the situation in Guinea and her September 2 trip there with Senegal President Wade to meet with Moussa Dadis Camara. Sirleaf acknowledged that she had suggested to Wade that they make a trip to Guinea to pr [...] |
2009-10-02 09:56:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ASEC GV LI |
| 09MONROVIA722 |
PRESIDENT SIRLEAF TO CONTINUE TO PRESS DADIS; CONCERNED [...] (C) Summary: President Sirleaf does not believe anohTer visit to Conakry would be useful, but will continue to work with Wade, Gbagbo and Ibn Chambas on pressing Dadis to step down. She suggested a "demonstration of force" would help limit the bloodshed. Liberian security services are picking [...] |
2009-10-02 14:33:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | KDEM PGOV PHUM PINS PREL ASEC SG GV LI |
| 09MONROVIA724 |
EMBASSY MONROVIA CONVENES EAC TO DISCUSS UNREST IN GUINEA [...] (U) On October 2, 2009, Embassy Monrovia convened the EAC to discuss the ongoing unrest in Guinea and its implications for security and stability in Liberia. 2. (S//NF) Ambassador recounted her conversation with the President of Liberia on September 28 (Ref B) and the president's Chief of [...] |
2009-10-05 08:57:00 | Embassy Monrovia | SECRET//NOFORN | ASEC CASC PREL PHUM GV LI |
| 09MONROVIA725 |
LIBERIA: BUCHANAN RENEWABLES DEAL STALLS OVER PRICE DISPUTE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Government of Liberia may back out of a power purchase agreement with Buchanan Renewables (BR), after a consortium of donors warned the President that unduly high tariffs could threaten the financial solvency of the Liberian Electricity Corporation (LEC) and deter small busi [...] |
2009-10-05 09:39:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV ENRG EAGR LI |
| 09MONROVIA73 |
LIBERIA: CHINESE FIRM WINS BID TO DEVELOP BONG [...] (C) SUMMARY: The China Union Investment Company has won the bid to redevelop Liberia's Bong iron ore mining range. The $2.6 billion concession agreement is the most lucrative investment contract signed by the Sirleaf government and is expected to create over 10,000 direct jobs and rehabilitate [...] |
2009-01-21 17:03:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EMIN PGOV LI |
| 09MONROVIA731 |
LIBERIA'S RESPONSE TO IMO CANDIDACY DEMARCHE [...] (SBU) Econoff met with Bureau of Maritime Affairs Commissioner Binyah Kesselly October 6 to deliver reftel demarche informing GOL of USG intention to seek re-election to category "A" membership on the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). 2. (SBU) GOL thanked USG for th [...] |
2009-10-06 17:36:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | AORC EWWT PHSA UK LI |
| 09MONROVIA751 |
LIBERIA: AGOA ELIGIBILITY REVIEW 2009 [...] (U) COUNTRY BACKGROUND SUMMARY: Liberia has a government that was democratically elected in multi-party elections in October/November 2005. The government has moved to exert its authority throughout the country but security still depends on the 10,000-strong United Nations Mission in Liberia [...] |
2009-10-13 16:45:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON LI ETRD |
| 09MONROVIA753 |
DESPITE PORT AUTHORITY ROADBLOCKS, PORT REFORM CONTINUES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Internal disputes within the GOL and second thoughts about the merits of private management at the Freeport of Monrovia present fresh challenges for the Port Sector Reform Program (PSRP), but are unlikely to derail a two-year process that enjoys Presidential and unified donor sup [...] |
2009-10-14 17:10:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EWWT EAID LI |
| 09MONROVIA76 |
LIBERIA: INVESTMENT CLIMATE STATEMENT 2009 [...] There is growing investor interest in Liberia, particularly in agriculture, construction, the extractive industries and tourism. UN sanctions on timber exports were lifted in 2006 and on diamonds in early 2007 as Liberia became compliant with the Kimberly Process. The removal of sanctions open [...] |
2009-01-22 10:18:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV EFIN ETRD ELAB ECON PGOV OPIC USTR KTDB LI |
| 09MONROVIA760 |
FRAUD SUMMARY - LIBERIA, MARCH - AUGUST 2009 [...] No summary [...] |
2009-10-16 13:07:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KFRD CVIS CPAS CMGT ASEC LI |
| 09MONROVIA763 |
LEGISLATURE SENDS ELECTORAL REFORM AMENDMENTS TO EXECUTIVE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The National Legislature has passed a constitutional amendment law that sets in motion reforms needed before the 2011 elections. The "Electoral Reform Law" was drafted with input from the law reform commission and civil society. It seeks to amend sections of the Liberian consti [...] |
2009-10-16 13:24:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM KDEM SOCI LI |
| 09MONROVIA773 |
PRESIDENT SIRLEAF ON GUINEA AND NIGER [...] (SBU) Ambassador called on President Sirleaf on October 19 upon the president's return from the October 17 ECOWAS summit in Abuja and her October 18 visit to Niamey as part of a high level mission. GUINEA ------ 2. (C) Sirleaf said that she has decided to take a stronger, more active sta [...] |
2009-10-20 11:41:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | KDEM PGOV PHUM PINS PREL ECOWAS NG GV LI |
| 09MONROVIA775 |
LIBERIA: PRESIDENTIAL INTERVENTION QUELLS TURF WARFARE AT [...] (SBU) Summary: Less than a month after Lockheed Martin inked a deal to manage Roberts International Airport (RIA) (Reftel) the President was forced to intervene to clarify the respective roles of the Liberian Civil Aviation Authority and Lockheed Martin. As de facto airport manager, Lockheed M [...] |
2009-10-20 16:48:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON EAID ASEC LI |
| 09MONROVIA776 |
MONTSERRADO SENATE BY-ELECTION A PRECURSOR TO 2011 VOTE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The National Elections Commission (NEC) will conduct a by-election on November 10 to elect a replacement for Montserrado Senator Hannah Brent who died on August 3. The official campaign period is October 14-18. Ten candidates have been approved and one disqualified. The by-el [...] |
2009-10-21 08:53:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM KDEM SOCI LI |
| 09MONROVIA785 |
ETHIOPIAN AIRWAYS TO FLY TO MONROVIA [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Ethiopian Airways (EA) will begin flights to Roberts International Airport (RIA) October 25, expanding its service in West Africa by linking Monrovia to Addis Ababa through Accra. EA's entrance will meet the need for more avenues from Liberia into Africa, Europe and the United S [...] |
2009-10-26 08:24:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAGR LI |
| 09MONROVIA786 |
FLAWED TIMBER CONCESSIONS PASS LEGISLATURE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The National Legislature ratified four new Forest Management Contracts (FMCs) in a closed-door session September 23, despite civil society objections and a ruling from the Public Procurement and Concession Commission (PPCC) overturning the concessions on technical grounds. Polit [...] |
2009-10-26 08:28:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAGR LI |
| 09MONROVIA799 |
LIBERIA'S RESPONSE TO IMO CANDIDACY DEMARCHE [...] Following is the text of a dipnote dated October 5 and received at U.S. Embassy Monrovia on October 27, 2009 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responding to our note of October 5 on the U.S. candidacy for the IMO. The note repeats Bureau of Maritime Affairs (BMA) Chairman Kessely's respons [...] |
2009-10-28 15:13:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC EWWT PHSA UK LI |
| 09MONROVIA801 |
FOOD SECURITY DEMARCHE DELIVERED [...] No summary [...] |
2009-10-29 15:13:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON EAGR LI |
| 09MONROVIA802 |
52ND LIBERIAN LEGISLATURE CONCLUDES FOURTH SESSION [...] (U) SUMMARY. The 52nd National Legislature has concluded its fourth session, recessing until the fifth session begins in January 2010. Despite the fact that several key laws were passed and concession agreements ratified, the Legislature failed to pass crucial measures related to meeting Lib [...] |
2009-10-30 09:55:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM SOCI LI |
| 09MONROVIA804 |
IMF THINKING ON LIBERIA'S HIPC COMPLETION POINT [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Resisting political pressures to hasten Completion Point under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries Initiative before the end of 2009, an International Monetary Fund team led by Africa Director Antoinette Sayeh, Liberia's former Finance Minister, estimated that Liberia may achieve [...] |
2009-11-02 08:38:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EINV ECOM LI |
| 09MONROVIA809 |
HEAD OF CONCESSIONS COMMISSION MURDERED [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Keith Jubah, chairman of the Public Procurement and Concessions Commission and President of the Rubber Planters Association, was shot to death November 1 outside his home at the Morris Farm near Kakata. Although police have identified three suspects, reports against them remain [...] |
2009-11-03 16:09:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAGR CASC ASEC KCRM PREL PGOV LI |
| 09MONROVIA81 |
LIBERIA: DISASTER ADVISORY ON MOTH AND CATERPILLAR [...] SUMMARY: This is a DISASTER ALERT cable to report widespread infestation of crops by caterpillar moths (presumed by some to be 'army worms') in central and northern Liberia. The Liberian Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) announced January 20 a state of emergency in 50 villages of central Liberia [...] |
2009-01-23 15:44:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID PREF WFP IZ LI PHUM |
| 09MONROVIA82 |
LIBERIA: GOL SIGNS CONTRACT POWER PLANT FUELED BY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Canadian firm Buchanan Renewables (Monrovia) Power, Inc. (BRP) signed January 21 a concession agreement with the Government of Liberia (GOL) and a power purchase agreement with the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) for the construction of a 35-megawatt power plant to provide [...] |
2009-01-23 15:45:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ENRG EINV ETRD OPIC LI |
| 09MONROVIA822 |
GOL AGREES TO FURTHER DISCUSSION ON ACCEPTING DEPORTEES [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: After a productive meeting on October 27, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Justice confirmed that the GOL is prepared to receive 28 deportees in January 2010, and agreed to the drafting a Memorandum of Understanding with the USG outlining procedures for the return of deporte [...] |
2009-11-12 07:25:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KCRM ASEC PREL PGOV PHUM LI |
| 09MONROVIA83 |
LIBERIA: Ambassador's Introductory Call on Minister of [...] (SBU) Summary: During a courtesy call by the Ambassador, Minister of Planning and Economic Affairs (MPEA) Amarah Konneh, who has been in office five months (ref B), thanked the USG for the "quick win" of the MCC threshold program and described his plans to take on the challenges of a historica [...] |
2009-01-23 18:08:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAID ECON PINR LI |
| 09MONROVIA833 |
LIBERIA - SENATE BY-ELECTION RESULTS IN RUN-OFF [...] SUMMARY. Voter turnout was low in the November 10 Montserrado Senate by-election, with just 20 percent of voters participating. None of the ten candidates took an absolute majority of votes, so the two leading candidates, Geraldine Doe-Sheriff of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and [...] |
2009-11-17 16:15:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM PHUM SOCI LI |
| 09MONROVIA838 |
FISCAL SQUEEZE SPARKS CALLS FOR BUDGET TRANSPARENCY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: While the global downturn could be expected to impose some constraints on Liberia's 2009-2010 budget, the Ministry of Finance's admission that revenue collection fell a full 25 percent short of planned expenditures in the first quarter alone has raised questions about the efficac [...] |
2009-11-18 17:28:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN LI |
| 09MONROVIA841 |
LIBERIA - LARGEST PARTIES PREPARE FOR RUN-OFF [...] (C) SUMMARY. Ambassador called on Montserrado County Senate run-off candidates in separate November 18 meetings where she encouraged the Congress for Democratic Change's (CDC) Geraldine Doe Sheriff and Unity Party's (UP) to prevent the inciting of voters in the final November 24 round of the [...] |
2009-11-20 12:42:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM KDEM LI |
| 09MONROVIA844 |
CHINESE SOLICIT PARTNERSHIP WITH U.S. FOLLOWING SHARM EL [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Following the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and the attendant promises of new Chinese investment in Liberia, the Chinese Embassy approached the USG to explore future possibilities for greater U.S.-Chinese cooperation in foreign assistance. The Chinese Embassy is particularl [...] |
2009-11-23 08:49:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAGR LI |
| 09MONROVIA863 |
LIBERIA: JOHN MORLU'S CANDIDACY FOR HEAD OF UN OFFICE OF [...] (C) SUMMARY: Inspector General John Morlu is passionately committed to public financial management, and has transformed a moribund General Auditing Commission (GAC) into an independent and vocal mechanism for fighting corruption in Liberia. While Morlu's reputation for integrity is unimpeachab [...] |
2009-12-01 17:47:00 | Embassy Monrovia | CONFIDENTIAL | AORC UN PREL AMGT LI |
| 09MONROVIA87 |
LIBERIA: HOUSE SPEAKER ALLEGEDLY ORDERS BEATING OF FORMER [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Former lawmaker in the National Transitional Legislative Assembly (NTLA) Prince Toe has accused Speaker of the House Alex Tyler of ordering his bodyguards to beat him after Toe's pickup nearly collided with a vehicle in Tyler's convoy January 18. The Monrovia Magisterial Court i [...] |
2009-01-28 09:21:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PHUM LI |
| 09MONROVIA877 |
LIBERIA: OPPOSITION WINS SENATE BY-ELECTION RUN-OFF [...] (U) SUMMARY. The opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) convincingly won the Montserrado County senatorial by-election in a second crucial test for the National Elections Commission (NEC). The ruling Unity Party (UP) lost the election despite heavy financial backing and support from f [...] |
2009-12-03 19:26:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KDEM PHUM SOCI KPAO LI |
| 09MONROVIA894 |
FATE OF BUCHANAN RENEWABLES REMAINS UNCERTAIN AS GOL WAVERS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: While President Sirleaf feels tremendous political pressure to expand electric services in Monrovia, fulfilling public promises to secure 10 megawatts of power in the capital by the end of 2010, her energy advisors have been unable to proffer the definitive guidance that would e [...] |
2009-12-11 11:25:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EINV EGAR ENRG LI |
| 09MONROVIA90 |
LIBERIA: PRESIDENT CALLS FOR CONTINUED REFORM IN THIRD [...] (U) SUMMARY. In her third State of the Nation Address before a joint session of the National Legislature January 26, President Sirleaf summarized the achievements of her government in 2008 and called for Liberia to "sustain this progress" in 2009. She vowed to continue the fight against corru [...] |
2009-01-28 18:04:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EAID EINV KCRM CACS LI |
| 09MONROVIA906 |
LIBERIAN COUNCIL OF CHURCHES DISCUSSES TRC PROCESS [...] SUMMARY. The members of the Liberian Council of Churches (LCC) told Ambassador that healing and reconciliation are more important than a harsh application of justice in dealing with perpetrators from the civil war. They fear that calls for prosecution will lead to renewed strife. Election [...] |
2009-12-11 13:02:00 | Embassy Monrovia | UNCLASSIFIED | ASEC CASC PHUM PREL PGOV KDEM LI |