The Inquirer
Monrovia, Liberia

Distributed by

The Perspective
Atlanta, Georgia

Posted June 7, 2004

Liberia’s “Iron Lady” of its contemporary politics and Unity Party’s standard bearer, Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf boasts that the strength of her party is “the bringing together of people from all walks of lives to work for the development of Liberia”.

Mrs. Sirleaf said what the Unity Party knows best and intends to offer is service to the Liberian people, which will enable the people put their resources to work.

The UP torch- bearer said, such will also ensure that Liberians have equal rights, opportunity and share in the riches of the country.

Speaking on Friday during a friendly chat with chiefs and elders of Grand Gedeh County at the Monrovia City Hall, Mrs. Sirleaf said Unity Party intends to unite Liberians and ensure that they benefit from the country’s resources.

She said once Liberians are willing to work, be industrial and serve their country with honesty and efficiency, the Unity Party will be there to serve them, reiterating “this is our motto and objective”.

At the well-attended ceremony, Mrs. Sirleaf extended a compassionate apology to Grand Gedeans on behalf of all Liberians particularly the young people in arms, for unfortunate happenings they may have suffered during the past crises.

“We have all suffered in this country. We have all sinned and fallen short of the mercy of God, and the only way to move forward is to come together. We should reach out our hands to our sisters, brothers and friends and say sorry” the “Iron Lady” of Liberian politics stressed.

Mrs. Sirleaf who came second during the 1997 general and presidential elections said, “once we get on the path of forgiveness, we will be able to develop our country.”

She said it is development that will ensure that people get to Grand Gedeh and other parts of the country, and be assured that their children get the best education and health care is available.

Mrs. Sirleaf said it is development that will ensure good hospital, good doctors, pipe-borne water and electricity in Grand Gedeh and all parts of the country.

She said the focus of her party this year is to provide jobs, and empower young people to be financially potent.

Responding, representatives of the chiefs and elders of Grand Gedeh expressed delight that Mrs. Sirleaf could confer with them in such a manner especially to extending an apology for whatever inconveniences they may have suffered during the last fourteen years.

They then extended invitation to the UP standard bearer to visit Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County and make the place her second home.