Amid threats of targeted sanctions
The Government of Liberia (GoL) says it welcomes a joint resolution sponsored by four United States Congressional members reaffirming commitment and support towards transparency and accountability in Liberia.
Information Minister Legerhood Rennie told newsmen Monday, Feb. 7, that the resolution is in support of government’s effort to fight corruption and promote human rights here.
In their resolution dated Feb. 4, the Congressional members called on the U.S.
Department of State and the Department of Treasury, respectively to continue to impose targeted sanctions and other measures against those responsible for undermining the rule of law as well as the faith and trust of the Liberian people through the conduct of corruption, gross violations of human rights and other acts that threaten the peace and security of Liberia.
The resolution dated Feb. 4, also recognized the historic relationship between the United States and Liberia as the latter celebrates the 200 years (bicentennial) of the arrival of the first freed Black Americans on Providence Island on January 7, 1822, through the efforts of the American Colonization Society.
Mr. Rennie said in addition to supporting the government fight graft here, the Congressional members recognized the historic ties and the ongoing celebration of the country’s bicentennial.
Mr. Rennie said these measures being called for are in the interest of the Liberian people and that the government is working assiduously in the same direction to uphold integrity, human rights and maintain peace.
On the targeted sanction, Mr. Rennie noted that the US has already begun the imposition of targeted sanctions against some officials-both Senators Prince Johnson of Nimba County and Varney Sherman of Grand Capemount County.
Meanwhile, the resolution issued by the 117th Congress in its 2nd Session encourages Liberia to redouble its efforts to counter corruption, advance the causes of human rights, and implement critical economic reforms necessary to accelerate sustainable economic growth and human capital development.
The U.S. House of Representatives further resolved that it remains committed to nurturing the enduring ties between the people and the Governments of the United States and Liberia, including thru the provision of United States support for a strong civil society, reputable and accountable institutions, transparency, and other tenets of good governance that should lay a solid foundation for Presidential elections in 2023.
The resolution was submitted by House congressional members Gregory MEEKS, Karen BASS, Michael Thomas MCCAUL, and Chris SMITH, all of New Jersey on Friday, February 4, 2022.https://thenewdawnliberia.com/liberia-faces-u-s-targeted-sanctions/-By Othello B. Garblah
