U.S. Defense Department Assures Liberia of Continued Support

Washington, D.C. - USA - United States military officers will travel to Liberia shortly to help train personnel of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL). The training, which will cover military squads, platoons, and companies, is part of the United States government’s commitment to assist Liberia build a professional armed forces.

A dispatch from the Office of the Press Secretary to the President said the disclosure was made Wednesday when President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf held talks at the Pentagon with U.S. Defense Department officials.

During discussions which centered on U.S.-Liberian relations, U.S. Defense Department officials renewed their commitment to support the ongoing Security Sector Reform in Liberia. Deputy Secretary of Defense, Gordon England, assured President Johnson Sirleaf that despite an earlier delay in meeting the funding gap, the U.S.government will ensure that funding is provided for a successful completion of the program.  

The Defense Department official lauded the President for the leadership she continues to provide for the country. The United States, he said, is grateful for the support and friendship Liberia has offered his country, adding “we will make it all workout; your help has been helpful; you will continue to have our full support.”

President Johnson Sirleaf thanked the U.S. government for remaining supportive of government’s program to build professional armed forces. The President expressed the hope that funding which has been allocated toward the program would be forthcoming, to avoid any disruption.  The commander-in-chief said she was satisfied with the level of training of the new Liberian army and expressed the hope that the United States government will expedite its commitment to provide additional funding for the training program in a reasonable period of time.

The President, who on Thursday also met with New Jersey Congressman Donald Payne, is now in Connecticut, where she will undergo a routine medical check-up before departing the United States on Saturday for home. Congressman Payne is a member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.