The Liberian delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament has reported to the regional parliamentary body the country’s progress amidst challenges.
The delegation’s assertion was contained in its 2019 Country Report submitted to the ECOWAS Parliament on Monday, May 13, 2019, read by the head of delegation, Edwin M. Snowe, Jr of Bomi County, a release from the Liberian embassy in Abuja says.
According to the dispatch, the Liberian Delegation’s Country Report covers the Status of the Implementation of the Community Texts and Ratification of Community Protocols and Conventions; Implementation of the Community Programs and Community Levy, and the Country’s Political Situation.
It also covers the Security Situation and Refugee Situation in the Region; the Status of Implementation of the ECOWAS Macro-Economic Program as it relates to Level of Achievement of Convergence Criteria; the Status of Implementation of the ECOWAS Infrastructural and Transportation Policies and Program and the Sensitization Activities carried out by Parliamentarians.
“Consequently, this report is in fulfillment of Liberia’s full compliance”, the report reads.
According to the Delegation, Liberia is currently in compliance with the Community Levy payments and has honored its obligation by paying its ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) on a month-to-month basis since January 2019 to present.
On the security situation, the report adds that besides minor instances of security breaches involving criminal activities, the country faces no imminent threat or danger:
“The National Security apparatus continues to demonstrate gallantry over the state of affairs in providing security for its citizens and foreigners as well.”
The delegation however added in its report that recent political events unfolding in the country have the propensity to further shatter Liberia’s already fragile peace if steps are not taken to arrest the situation.
“A case in point is a planned demonstration slated for June 7, 2019 by a group named and styled “Council of Patriots” under the theme “SAVE THE STATE” and some members of the opposition block particularly the four major opposition political parties named and styled Collaborating Political Parties (CPP).
The four leading opposition parties have endorsed the protest. However, the President called for a dialogue and invited the leaders of the Council of Patriots to a meeting which was held on May 14 which is National Unification Day and is observed as a national holiday”, the Liberian legislators informed their regional counterparts.
On infrastructures, the report acknowledged the country’s underdeveloped road network but however stated that Liberia has made significant progress in that direction.
TSS/as/APA