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Ellen Praises U.S. for New Army

The Inquirer (Monrovia)
NEWS
December 14, 2006
Posted to the web December 14, 2006

By Charles Crawford

Liberia's President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has extended heartfelt thanks and
appreciation to the United States Government for the support provided to the
training of the nation's new armed forces.
Speaking yesterday in the Township of Careysburg, Montserrado County, at the
Voice of America (VOA) training site of the Armed Forces of Liberia when she
visited and had lunch with the soldiers, President Sirleaf said Liberia was
very much appreciative to her partners in progress-the Americans for the level
of financial, material, logistics and training support being provided for the
army.
"We would like to thank our partner in progress-America, those from the U.S
Army here to work and train our army, for the work done so far. We also want to
thank the officer in Charge of the AFL, Gen. Yusuf and his staff, the Minister
of Defense, Hon. Brownie J. Samukai, Jr. and his colleagues at the Ministry for
the professional work they are doing.
They are working to ensure that the country has good, strong and able soldiers
with the competence, commitment and courage to be well equipped to defend the
country," the Liberian Chief Executive lauded.
Touching on government's support to the army, President Sirleaf informed the
soldiers that her administration was providing the fullest support to them. "We
have come to let you know that government is giving you the fullest support as
you train to be able to take over the responsibility for the safety and
security of your nation and people.
We are very impressed for the progress you have made for the length of time
spent in training. Your dedication, loyalty and commitment are laudable."
President Sirleaf's commendation to the Americans, the leadership of the Armed
Forces of Liberia and the soldiers comes against the backdrop of a splendid
military performance tactically displayed by the soldiers that got the
President and all those that were present spellbound and proud as evidenced by
their rounds of applause for the new military guards.
On November 4, 2006, the first batch of 106 recruits of the AFL graduated from
the initial training that was held at the Barclay Training Center in Monrovia,
thus paving the way for their second training-Advance Infantry Training
currently being held at the VOA.
Meanwhile, Defense Minister Brownie J. Samukai, Jr. has congratulated President
Sirleaf for her visit to the army's training site in VOA.
"We are very happy and grateful to the President for leaving her busy schedule
to drive up here to Careysburg just to see the army. The President's action is
indeed commendable and clearly signifies the great importance the Executive
Mansion attaches to seeing a well trained and professional army in the
country," the nation's Defense Chief intimated.


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