President Weah Mandate takes immediate effect

AS LIBERIA RESCINDS INITIAL NEGATIVE VOTE AT UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has ensured the reversal of its negative vote through the appropriate channels at the UNGA and registered a new vote in favor of a ceasefire Israel-Gaza war.

The latest decision followed President Weah’s mandate to Foreign Affairs Minister Maxwell Kemayah to rescind a recent vote by the Liberian diplomat, which aligned with the United States of America supporting the continuation of the war in Gaza.

In a statement issued Tuesday in Monrovia, the Liberian Government clarified that the decision of Liberia’s diplomats to vote against the UNGA Resolution calling for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas did not get the acquiescence of President George Weah, who is the chief architect of the country’s foreign policy.

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The Foreign Ministry, in its statement, recalls that long before the vote, President Weah made a passionate appeal in a communication to the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, for the exercise of restraint and consideration of civilians who are the real victims of the ongoing crisis and requested a humanitarian lull in the armed hostilities to ensure the delivery of relief while allowing for a diplomatic settlement.

In a related development, Liberia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations has broken silence over a recent vote taken against a UN resolution seeking to end the Israel-Gaza war.

In a statement released on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, the country’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Sarah Fyneah, said Liberia’s initial vote on the UN Resolution on December 12th was based on a prior directive by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which contradicted the Liberian government’s established stance.

Ambassador Fyneah disclosed that the discrepancy raises concerns about misrepresentation, prompting a need for the President to seek clarification from the Minister, who seemingly did not adhere to his instructions issued since November 4, a month before the UN vote.

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The Liberian government’s representative to the UN stated that responsibility for the inaccurate directive lies with the Ministry, and it is crucial not to tarnish the reputation of Liberia’s diplomats at the UN, who, despite challenges, continue to make sacrifices for Liberia’s visibility and contribution to the UN’s mandate.

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