Liberia -- Progress on Democratization

Deputy Secretary Richard Armitage met on September 24 with Mr. Charles Guyde Bryant, Chairman of Liberia’s National Transitional Government. Chairman Bryant outlined progress made to date in disarming former combatants and preparing for elections in 2005. He noted the need to further support security, economic reform, and democratization in Liberia, and called urgently for countries to fulfill the pledges made during last February’s Reconstruction Conference. The Deputy Secretary congratulated the Chairman on his presentation to the United Nations General Assembly on September 22. The Deputy Secretary underscored the United States’ strong support for the reconstruction of a democratic Liberia and commended Chairman Bryant for his government’s efforts to effect responsible and transparent management of the diamond and timber industries. The Deputy welcomed the Chairman’s initiatives and said the U.S. government would continue to work with Liberia with a view toward lifting relevant U.N. Security Council sanctions as quickly as possible. The Deputy Secretary noted that the U.S. government would also explore ways to provide additional assistance for reintegrating former combatants into Liberian society and would encourage our international partners to assist with this as well.

2004/1023