U.S. Ambassador Expresses Concern on ‘COP’ Planned protest

By New Republic Liberia

The United States ambassador to Liberia, Christine Elder has expressed concern over the planned protest by the Council of Patriots. The COP said they intend to carry out the  protest from  July 24-26.

Liberia  gained independence on July 26, 1847.

“While the U.S. Embassy supports the rights of citizens to lawfully apply to assemble or convey their views to elected officials, the intent to do so during the week of July 22 is misplaced,” a statement issued Thursday said.

The statement  added ; “The U.S. Embassy read with interest the statement of the Council of Patriots (COP) issued July 12 announcing their intent to stage a nationwide protest beginning July 24.

“While the U.S. Embassy supports the rights of citizens to lawfully apply to assemble or convey their views to elected officials, the intent to do so during the week of July 22 is misplaced.  We commend the peaceful conduct of thousands of protestors who by their actions on June 7 conveyed they are interested in progress and national dialogue over aggression or demands.”

The Council of Patriots,  is a group of Liberians from different political, economic and social groups that  decided to come under one canopy-COP. They have accused the George Weah government of rampant corruption and abuse of power. They staged a peaceful protest on June 7, this year in which they made a number of demands to the government. Government is yet to act on their demands.

The Ambassador’s statement further added; “As the COP press release specifically calls on the international community to join their ‘long march,’ the U.S. Embassy responds by sharing its view that, particularly from a group carrying the banner ‘Council of Patriots’ and from a group which avows that patriotism remains central to their efforts, staging such actions as they have outlined, during independence celebrations, would instead convey a lack of commitment to national development.”

The statement concluded: “Ideally, events surrounding upcoming national celebrations should be devoid of partisan promotion or posturing, focusing instead on working together for the common good of the Liberian people.” TNR

 

 

 

 

 

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Alphonso Toweh

Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets  including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and  did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters 
 He holds first  MA with honors in International  Relations and a  candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict  Resolution from the University of Liberia. 

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