The outgoing US ambassador, Michael McCarthy, says members of the diplomatic corps are not in Liberia to run its political affairs.
He said they are in the country to represent their various countries in strengthening existing bilateral ties.
The Ambassador spoke at a sumptuous farewell lunch in honor of him and colleagues at the Boulevard Palace over the weekend in Sinkor, Monrovia, Liberia, saying that he appreciates the specific group of ambassadors and that they have been working collaboratively, aimed at achieving the desired results.
According to him, they are giving support to governmental institutions relative to executing their responsibilities but not to do their work, adding that their interactions are maturing and even moving in a better direction, getting more African Leadership, which he believes is cardinal for countries in the continent.
The outgoing USA Ambassador maintained that he even has more faith in those institutions of government in Liberia that run the election systems and oversee its activities, as well as the civil society organizations that watch, evaluate and or make comments about the elections in the country.
“I am surely aware that each and every member of the diplomatic corps will continue helping those institutions,” he pointed out.
Cameroonian ambassador to Liberia, Amb. Beng’Yala Augustine Gang, who hosted the diplomatic lunch, disclosed that it was intended to bid farewell to some of their colleagues whose tour of duties in the country have ended.
“I wish to express thanks and appreciation for your deserving presence, also your contributions towards the occasion,” he stated.
Amb. Gang, who is also the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps of Liberia, then stressed that they were highly grateful to have the opportunity of having a memorable lunch with their friends as they depart the country soon, terming their services rendered as remarkable and solemn, so members of the diplomatic corps were the ones giving them farewell as it appears like some are going into retirement.
He furthered that even though as the dean he cannot uprightly judge the output and or the efficiency of his colleagues, he however lauded them for their directness and concern for everyone, applauding Ambassador McCarthy’s diversity of reading and learning, noting it’s being anchored on enviable depth of thought and as such, he sincerely got educated during each of their interactions relative to literature and arts.
The Dean also applauded Ghanaian Ambassador, Kwabena O. Appiah, for his fraternity and insightful thoughts, recalling that Ghana was one of the reliable frontline fighters in Liberia’s political disruption and in its conflict.
He commended Ambassador Appiah for what he terms as an appropriate decision to have come back and amazingly served as an ambassador to a neighboring country that he fought to save during that horrible period.
“Michael Roux, French Ambassador to Liberia, a man of style and quiet efficiency, has been dutiful to the diplomatic mission by making France’s presence felt in Liberia, particularly through its support towards the quality of huge human resource training that is benefiting the youthful population,” he indicated.
Amb. Gang also commended the spouses of all the ambassadors, recognizing that they also played pivotal roles that enhanced their functions and wished their colleagues well in any future endeavors as he presented a sculpture to each ambassador as a gift that depicts the sixteen tribes of the country, along with literature on Liberia.
Amb. Appiah expressed his sincerest gratitude for the support and friendship that he received from his colleagues, asserting that he is elated when it comes to their accomplishments in promoting relations, and their collective efforts in ensuring sustained peace and security in Liberia.
According to him, he is confident that the Farmington Peace Accord that was signed by political parties and stakeholders will be adhered to, so that the Liberian people will continue to shine after the process and that he will always remember their collaboration and joint actions, along with the strong ties that have connected them as colleagues.
Amb. Michael Roux appreciated Dean Gang for the gathering and explained that Liberia is an interesting country, an observation he made during his three years of service here.
He pointed out that Liberia is endowed with abundant natural and human resources that can be used to develop it, adding that they are using their international contacts, interactions aimed at helping in that direction.
