From All Africa

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is calling on all Liberians to let the New Year, 2014, be one of true patriotism and reconciliation that will highlight the positive things that unite us.

According to an Executive Mansion release, President Sirleaf, in her New Year’s Message to the nation, urged Liberians to welcome the year 2014 with a sense of humility remembering that as compatriots, we must continue to strengthen the peace now prevailing in the country.

She noted that the country has great potential, and Liberians, a resilient people, have the potential to rise above the challenges, and really come together and make Liberia the truly great nation that it’s meant to be.

Speaking about plans for the coming year, the Liberian leader said her government will accelerate development efforts, move the economy and create more jobs. “In this dry season, we will forge ahead with our infrastructure development, particularly roads, power and ports which are the essentials that make everything else happen in the country,” President Sirleaf emphasized, adding that at the same time, her government will endeavor to implement the results of the study taken to address the problems of the education sector, as well as forge more effective efforts to promote food security through agriculture.

Beyond 2014, President Sirleaf pledged to continue to implement her administration’s long-term vision and development agenda; conclude the processes for constitutional reform; expand infrastructure to a larger number of the population; strengthen the management of the country’s natural resources; and ensure that Liberia retains an open society based on transparency and accountability.

On the international front, the Liberian President promised to build upon the satisfactory level of cooperation in the Mano River Union, ECOWAS and the African Union, and continue to strengthen and broaden good relations with bilateral and multilateral partners.

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