LIBERIA – The Government says its attention has been drawn to a story in the Smart News, which reports that some Liberians have threatened to stage a protest action targeted specifically at U.S. Ambassador Michael McCarthy.
The Government said callers on a radio program voiced sentiments that were deemed inciteful and insolent against the U.S. diplomat. The Liberian government strongly denounces any action that will threaten violence or hurt the strong diplomatic and historic ties that exist between both nations and herewith distances itself from all such comments and intended actions.
It says while the Weah-led administration is an ardent promoter of free speech and freedom of the press, for which it has pushed through legislation to guarantee this fundamental right, there are clear safeguards intended to protect the public’s interest.
The government in a Statement signed by Information Minister, Ladgerhood Rennie made it categorically clear that it will not condone any such protest action and insolent comments, regardless of who the organizers are, as its ultimate intention is to incite certain segments of the population for parochial reasons.
It notes that Liberia has always welcomed alternative views on the state of governance of the country, including those from its international and diplomatic partners which have helped in improving the country’s democratic credentials. Therefore, the government sees any such protest or insolent comments against the U.S. diplomat as inimical to the national and international interest of Liberia.
The government urges the media to help champion an all-inclusive approach towards the promotion of the concept of global governance, instead of serving as a conduit to rile up the public against well-intentioned international and diplomatic counsel about the governance issues of the country.
Notes: Smart News Liberia stands by the publication and disapproves the attempt by the Information Minister, to make it appear Imaginary. The show in which the American Ambassador was targeted for disparagement, was aired on Bana FM and was hosted by one Winston Blyden.
