Published: January 17, 2012
Secretary Clinton Attends Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for New US Embassy in Liberia
By Mina Fabulous 
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new U.S. Embassy with U.S. Ambassador to Liberia Linda Thomas-Greenfield in Monrovia.
Secretary Clinton also attended the second presidential inauguration of Africa's first woman president, Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf,.
"This is a doubly blessed occasion, to be able to attend the inauguration and then come for the official ribbon cutting on the new embassy chancery. And I've had just a quick look around." - Ms. Clinton
Ellen Margrethe Lųj, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Liberia, meets the Pakistan Contingent of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) during the UN medals ceremony.
UN Photo/UNMIL/Staton Winter |
She said the new compound is a testament to the work of the Embassy Staff. She said it is a symbol of America's lasting commitment to its partners today.
"We are committed to standing with the people of Liberia as you, as they, continue their important journey, reconciling political and ethnic differences, strengthening democracy, bringing prosperity and opportunity to people, particularly young people." -Ms. Clinton
She said she was also pleased to attend the second inauguration of President Sirleaf. She said she has known Ellen for a long time.
"I have a great deal of admiration and appreciation for the work she is doing, along with her other colleagues in government." -Ms. Clinton
She stated that U.S. work with Liberia goes far beyond support for the elections. She added the U.S. government is working so hard on security issues. She cited that USAID and Peace Corps colleagues are working so hard on healthcare and education.
"Under this new roof, you're going to be able to come together with a single mission, no matter where you are coming to us from, that's not (inaudible), because this is not just about the State Department, USAID. It's a whole-of-government effort." -Ms. Clinton
Mina Fabulous follows the news, especially what is going on in the US State Department. Mina turns State Department waffle into plain english. Contact Mina through NewsBlaze.
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