Monrovia, Liberia-(ENEWSPF)- President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has received congratulations on her re-election from U.S. Secretary of State Hillary R. Clinton and the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso.
In a State Department press release issued on Tuesday, Secretary Clinton said that the United States “congratulates President Sirleaf on her re-election and we will continue to work with her and all elected officials to advance democracy, and promote peace and prosperity.”
On behalf of President Barack Obama and the people of the United States, Secretary Clinton also congratulated the Liberian people for exercising their right to vote in last week’s presidential and legislative elections, saying these historic elections are important milestones on Liberia’s path toward democratic reconciliation.
The U.S. statement commended the National Elections Commission for conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. It also applauded the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and others for sending observers to monitor the elections, as well as the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) for promoting security during the electoral process.
The statement continued: “The violence on November 7th marred this otherwise peaceful process, so we welcome the creation of a Special Independent Commission of Inquiry to investigate the incident. We are also deeply disappointed by the Congress for Democratic Change’s decision to boycott the run-off election in an attempt to delegitimize the election. We urge all political parties to respect the election results and resolve their differences peacefully.
“The United States is a long-standing friend of the Liberian people and we are committed to their future. Congratulations on this momentous occasion,” the statement concluded.
In his congratulatory message to President Sirleaf, European Commission President Barroso said that he was impressed that every effort was made to ensure that the elections were “credible and transparent in line with international and regional standards.”
He said that despite the incidents that marked the second round of the electoral process, it was important that all parties look forward to ways of healing the wounds of the past and persevere in building a democratic future for the country. He wished President Sirleaf “every success in the exercise of your mandate and assure you of our sincere commitment to Liberia and the Liberian people.”
Mr. Barroso confirmed the European Union’s readiness to support the President’s efforts, building on the achievements made during her first term, in a climate of peace, consultation and dialogue. He added: “The European Union strongly hopes to see all Liberians working towards a common vision for economic and social development, with opportunities for all, national reconciliation, good governance, and peace.”
