End to Liberian Sanctions Recommended

A Kimberley Process delegation visited Liberia earlier this month to assess that country’s readiness to join KP.

Sanctions have existed since 2001 when it was discovered Liberia’s exports were funding arms. After taking office in early 2006 President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has made continued requests to lift sanctions. The United Nations Security Council confirmed that the ban on exports would be reviewed. On April 28 Grand Cape Mount County Senator Abel Massaly appeared on local media, also calling upon the United Nations to lift the sanctions, claiming that the prior conditions no longer exist and applauding the Johnson-Sirleaf led-government.

Stephane Chardon, European Commission representative of the KP delegation commented, "The panel made a few technical points that need to be corrected, but the bottom line recommendation is that Liberia is ready to join KP," The panel's report was forwarded to the UN Security Council for review, which is expected to take place in the coming days.