When a Diplomat Should Must Be Recalled - Issues at the Liberian Embassy in DC
On the issue of the alleged financial impropriety by the Ambassador, the Minister of Foreign Affairs should have addressed that matter within the Rules and Regulations laid down in the Manual of the Foreign Service of Liberia. No responsible government should leave matters of such import to be decided through media planted articles. The government of Liberia should be cognizant of the fact that despite the illusion of sovereignty, Washington has a significant role in the future of Liberia, if not only for its own interest, but for the large number of Liberians present in the USA. A Liberian friend always reminds me that other than Monrovia, most States on the East Coast have more Liberians than any Liberian city; that should make DC the Second Capital City of Liberia!
The Deputy Chief of Mission's explanation of his hotel room bribery episode is at best an error of judgment, or at worst ignorance of the rules governing the referral of business entities to the Liberian Government. Firstly the DCM claimed that these so-called investors invited him by telephone. Without investigating their bona fides, he turns up at the hotel, recommends that they make a proposal, print brochures, and facilitate his travel to Monrovia! This is absolutely absurd! Any experienced diplomat would informed the Ambassador and, based on the advise of the Ambassador request a written proposal for review. After receipt of the proposals, he would have vetted the entity through the Better Business Bureau and other facilities that are readily available. He reviews the proposals and the vetting reports with a view to making a determination as to whether it warrants being forwarded to Monrovia. After he had received a response from Monrovia, he contacts the investors based upon the advice he received from Monrovia. If a meeting is to take place, the initial meeting should take place at the Mission with the full import of the Ambassador.
Our DCM did neither of the above, but jumped at a meeting in a hotel room, not accompanied by any of his colleagues at the Mission, without the knowledge of the Ambassador suggests that he does not know what he doing. The Liberian Government should recall the DCM promptly and conduct its own investigation into this scandal. Based on the outcome of its own investigation, the Government should take appropriate measures in accordance with the Manual of the Foreign Service of Liberia. But he cannot be allowed to continue to remain in DC as he will not be able to carryout his functions given the nature of this scandal.
The Deputy Chief of Mission's explanation of his hotel room bribery episode is at best an error of judgment, or at worst ignorance of the rules governing the referral of business entities to the Liberian Government. Firstly the DCM claimed that these so-called investors invited him by telephone. Without investigating their bona fides, he turns up at the hotel, recommends that they make a proposal, print brochures, and facilitate his travel to Monrovia! This is absolutely absurd! Any experienced diplomat would informed the Ambassador and, based on the advise of the Ambassador request a written proposal for review. After receipt of the proposals, he would have vetted the entity through the Better Business Bureau and other facilities that are readily available. He reviews the proposals and the vetting reports with a view to making a determination as to whether it warrants being forwarded to Monrovia. After he had received a response from Monrovia, he contacts the investors based upon the advice he received from Monrovia. If a meeting is to take place, the initial meeting should take place at the Mission with the full import of the Ambassador.
Our DCM did neither of the above, but jumped at a meeting in a hotel room, not accompanied by any of his colleagues at the Mission, without the knowledge of the Ambassador suggests that he does not know what he doing. The Liberian Government should recall the DCM promptly and conduct its own investigation into this scandal. Based on the outcome of its own investigation, the Government should take appropriate measures in accordance with the Manual of the Foreign Service of Liberia. But he cannot be allowed to continue to remain in DC as he will not be able to carryout his functions given the nature of this scandal.
posted by Plucky @ 8:01 AM
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