Liberia Will Turn the Corner, Says Ellen (ELLEN IN HARLEM, NY))

Ellen U.S. Trip Update: President-Elect Making the Rounds

Meanwhile, the Liberian Embassy in Washington, D.C says Johnson-Sirleaf’s tight schedule would not allow her during this visit to address Liberian Communities in the United States, even though Hundreds of thousands of Liberians and American citizens alike are in high expectation to meet and listen to Africa’s first elected female president. How ever, a dinner organized by the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation in Washington DC on Wednesday, December 14, will afford opportunities for many Liberians to meet their President-Elect, who will be the Speaker at that dinner.

"The president-elect of the country is on a private visit but while she is there she will meet with senior international civil servants, she will also hold discussions with some U.S. state department officials. "By next year, after she has been inaugurated as President of Liberia, she will embark on an official visit to the U.S," said a Unity Party official.

The Economist and former UNDP executive has pledged to fight endemic corruption in the country, which continues to hamper its development long after the guns fell silent.

Her first official trip after winning the election was around West Africa, visiting countries including regional powerhouse Nigeria and war-divided neighbor Ivory Coast. She is expected back in Liberia from the United States next Friday.

Transition Team to Be Expanded

“I haven't had any specific charges against Mr. Greaves,” Madam Sirleaf told the Daily Observer. “I've heard him included in collective guilt in the Bryant Administration. Well I can't go for collective guilt. I think if somebody has something specific, with evidence, and it does not meet our standards, then we will take appropriate action.

“But let me say from my experience in working with Mr. Greaves, which has been for many years, that he's hardworking, he's intelligent, and he delivers.”