The government of the Kingdom of Denmark says it will provide 100 million Danish kronens (22 million United States dollars) to support Liberia’s Millennium Development Goals (MDG).

	• Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf and Prime Minister Rasmussen enter the MDG3 conference Photo: Charles Nelson/Executive Mansionl

The Danish government has also announced that it will relieve Liberia of its bilateral debt of 160,000,000 Danish Kronens (3,305,785.1 United States dollars).

Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen made the disclosure today at the Christiansborg Castle in Copenhagen, after concluding political talks with President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

He said Denmark was pleased to announce a beginning of what he referred to as ‘a strong Millennium Development Goals 3 partnership between both countries’.

The Millennium Development Goals 3 (MDG3) is a global campaign which aims to achieve women empowerment by the year 2015. He revealed that his country’s aim is to make Liberia what he called ‘a model country in the fight to achieve the Millennium Development Goal 3’.

The Prime Minister further called on other donors to support Liberia in this regard. He paid tribute to President Johnson-Sirleaf, saying she has done ‘an extraordinary job in Liberia since the end of the country’s lengthy civil conflict.

He revealed that Denmark is proposing to initiate a global coalition which will stand ready to initiate the
success of the MDG.

For her part, President Johnson-Sirleaf said she was extremely pleased that Denmark had chosen Liberia to be a MDG3 model country. She said Finance Minister Antoinette Sayeh is in Paris, France, to continue the debt cancellation campaign.

The President emphasized that the Danish bilateral debt cancellation gesture would be of paramount help to Liberia as Minister Sayeh lobbies with other countries for more debt cancellations.

Earlier, the Liberian leader served as keynote speaker at the Copenhagen Millennium Development Goal 3 Conference on women’s empowerment. During her address, she stressed that gender based violence is a critical issue. She further praised the Danish government for bringing the empowerment of women to the forefront.

The Liberian leader said there is ‘a tidal wave of revolutionary change to which she is a testament’. She informed the conference delegates that she has accepted Denmark’s call for Liberia to be a MDG3 model country and added that the financial assistance of 22 million U.S dollars to be given to Liberia will be used for the intended purpose.

Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf also paid a courtesy call and held private talks with the Her Majesty Queen Margrethe of Denmark. The Liberian leader and entourage have concluded a very successful two-day state visit to the Kingdom of Denmark and will shortly leave for the United States of America for a private visit.

I’m Sick Of Treason Trial
By George J. Borteh

The judge presiding over the ongoing treason trial involving two former Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) retired soldiers, Charles Julu and Andrew Dorbor, says he is getting sick of the entire treason proceedings Judge Peter Gbenewelleh made the statement on April 15, 2008 in open court during ten minutes argument between government’s lawyers and lawyers presenting defendants Julu and Dorbor.

	• Andrew Dorbor

“I’m getting sick of this case. This one case can finish now?,” Judge Gbenewelleh wondered. Though judge Gbenewelleh’s statement accompanied a lively smile, it may be due to the six (6) continuous filed by prosecution since the commencement of the new treason trial.

Judge Gbenewelleh’s statement, according to some legal minds talked to, may have been to strengthen both parties to speed up the trial. Others are of the view that it was intended to bear pressure on lawyers presenting the Liberian government not to resort to delay tactics.

Meanwhile, the second witness produced by defense lawyers has testified, saying that he was forced by a team of government lawyers in the office of Montserrado County Attorney, Samuel Jacobs, to tell lies in court against co-defendant Julu.

Defendant Andrew Dorbor told court during the first trial that he received US$20.00 from Lebanese businessman, Jacob Karan as hotel bill and US$30 as transport to travel to Grand Gedeh County. But in his testimony yesterday, he said he received US$25.00 and US$20.00 for said purpose.

“Jacob Karan gave me US$20.00 as hotel fees and US$25.00 as transport to travel to Grand Gedeh County as a final journey to the Ivory Coast”, defendant Dorbor told the court.

The former AFL and retired General and Colonel were arrested by state security and charged with the crime Treason for allegedly wanting to overthrow the Ellen led administration and they are currently been tried.