The head of delegation of the European Union (EU) to Liberia, Laurent Delahousse, stressed the need for registered Liberian voters to vote leaders to map the future of the Unification and Integration Policy.
Ambassador Delahousse, speaking at a program marking the commemoration of the 59th National Unification Day celebration at the UL campus in Monrovia, further stated that Unification and Integration policy has inspired successive governments to give equal rights and opportunities to all Liberians.
He stressed that the focus of many government policies has been put on the less fortunate, as is the inspiration behind the current administration’s Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development, noting that international partners have also brought enthusiastic support to these policies.
According to him, said policy has transformed Liberia from a post-colonial State to a land of democracy, Human Rights and Progress where no one is left behind.
He said it is also important that as Liberians cast their votes in the October 10, 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections, to reflect political preferences and on the choice of the candidates best suited to deliver on their needs and expectations.
This, the EU head of delegation maintained that it is now for Liberians to appreciate the measure in which targets and objectives have been met, adding that the success of EU integration process has been the result of a combination of factor; a post-war historic moment and strong political will from governments among others.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Delahousse disclosed that in order to address diverse development needs in all EU regions, an amount 392 billion Euros, that is US$426 billion at yesterday’s exchange rate almost a third of the total EU budget has been set aside for Cohesion Policy for 2021-2027.
He added that with the national co-financing, about half a trillion euro will be available to finance the program in the EU regions and countries, adding that throughout the successive enlargements and treaty reforms, the European communities have become the EU, with 27member states (the United Kingdom was the 28th but pulled out with Brexit) and a population of 450 million people.
In remarks, the standard bearer of the Liberia Restoration Party (LRP), Allen Roosevelt Brown, stated that the problem affecting the Liberian youth is the proliferation of drugs across the country and as such, there is need for urgent attention to address the malice.
He also urged the youth to focus and prioritize their education as well as admonished them to participate in the democratic process by taking part in the elections when eligible to vote; noting that the LRP is a faith-based movement with the mission to restore the country’s law and order.
On behalf of NEC chairperson, Josephine K. Gaye, commended Liberians for their participation of the just ended Biometric Voters Registration Process (BVR), saying that the price is reliable because it detects double registration and informed the audience that those who registered twice will be reported to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution and thanked partners for their support towards the process.
