EU nudges Liberians to ensure peaceful street protest planned for June 7
MONROVIA, June 4 (PANA) - The European Union (EU) delegation and EU Member-States' Missions in the Liberian capital Monrovia Tuesday emphasized the need to ensure that a street protest planned for June 7 unfolds peacefully.
In a statement received by PANA here, the EU delegation said it was jointly issuing the statement with the EU heads of mission in Monrovia including France, Germany, Ireland, Sweden and the United Kingdom
A group calling itself Council of Patriots (COP), made up of opposition political parties, has called for a street protest on June 7 to “to draw government’s attention to some concerns in the governance of the State” by the George Weah-led administration.
The EU cited Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution which states that “all persons, at all times, in an orderly and peaceable manner, shall have the right to assemble and to petition the Government for the redress of grievances”.
It noted that it was in the exercise of this right that a protest had been planned by some Liberian organizations on 7 June to present several concerns to the government.
But the EU stressed that maintaining the peace and stability Liberia was now experiencing was everyone's responsibility.
“We welcome that the Government has acknowledged the Constitutional right of Liberians to peaceful protest, and committed to ensuring their protection.”
The statement said the EU Missions in Monrovia were aware and concerned about the difficult economic situation Liberia was going through and the hardship faced by the Liberian people.
The EU suggested that, to address and resolve the challenges Liberia was facing, “inclusive, regular and constructive dialogue is always the best avenue; a dialogue that enables Liberians to engage each other and work together to build the future of their country”.
The EU cautioned that Liberia had made “great progress” since the end of the civil conflict in 2003 in terms of peace, stability, democracy and security.
“This progress was possible thanks to the sustained efforts of the Liberian people, who cherish and uphold their hard-won peace. The 7th of June can be yet another moment for Liberians to show to the world that they can express themselves and engage with one another in a free, respectful and peaceful way, and that peace and democracy are on an irreversible course in Liberia,” the EU statement said.
It added:“We recognize the valuable role played by the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States in support of dialogue in Liberia, and fully back these efforts.”
The EU expressed “deep commitment to continuing to support” Liberia's peace-building and development efforts, and promised to continue assisting Liberia in the implementation of the national flagship - Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development - and in other critical areas.
“The EU Missions in Monrovia express their confidence that the Liberian people will protect their country's peace and stability on and after the 7th of June and always,” the statement stressed.
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