Liberian Madame President Thanks Americans for Support in Making Her Nation a "Post-Conflict Success Story"
"We're here to say to you we're very grateful. The Liberian people just want to thank you."
(Washington, DC)?[Transcript] PRESIDENT JOHNSON SIRLEAF: Thank you, Mr. President. I come on behalf of the Liberian people to thank you for the support we've received from you, the administration, from Congress, from the American people. It has enabled us to turn the corner from being what was called a "failed state" several years ago to today what we hope will be coming to be one of the emerging democracies. (White House Photo)
We've been able to put our economic and financial house in order; tackle our debt; begin to rebuild our infrastructure; put our children back into school; bring some water and electricity to a country that hasn't had it for over two decades. And so we're just so thankful for the encouragement, the support that we received from you.
I want you to know that the challenges are many, but with the continued support of the American people and the continued support of the American administration and Congress, that we feel that Liberia can become a post-conflict success story.
We want to say to you that your visit to our country is one that goes down in the record books (laughter) as being one of the most enjoyable?not only for the dancing (laughter)? but for all that you did to train our new soldiers and put our infrastructure in order; and the hope that you helped to give to the Liberian people that indeed the nightmare is over and they can have a future that's full of promise.
So we're here to say to you we're very grateful. The Liberian people just want to thank you.
