Finnish Government Cancels Liberia’s Two Million Euros Debts
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The Government of Finland has waived Two Million Euros in Development Credits, including accrued interest, owed by Liberia since 1981.
The Finnish Government says President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s commitment to development means that the benefits accruing from debt forgiveness would go to areas where resources are most needed for the reconstruction of Liberia.
The Finland’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary accredited to Liberia, Mrs. Anneli Vuorinen made the statement on behalf of her President, Mrs. Tarja Holonen, after signing an Agreement at the Finnish Embassy in Abuja , Nigeria , waiving Two million Euros in Development Credits, including accrued interest, owed by Liberia.
The Charge d’Affaires of the Embassy of Liberia in Abuja, Mrs. Geraldine Bass-Golakeh, signed on behalf of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. During the signing ceremony, Mrs. Bass-Golakeh praised the Government of Finland for its pacesetting action, which, she said, was worthy of emulation by other development partners.
Mrs. Bass-Golakeh indicated that Finland’s debt forgiveness manifested its true development partnership, and was a clear expression of its confidence in President Johnson Sirleaf, as she continues efforts for the reconstruction of Liberia now recovering from the ravages of civil war.
President Tarja Holonen and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf co-convened the International Colloquium on Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security from March 7-9 2009 in Monrovia, Liberia.
Senior diplomats of both Finland and Liberia present at the Signing ceremony included First Secretary Mr. Varney Jackson of Liberia’s Abuja Mission.