The President of the Republic of Liberia, Her Excellency Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has sent two separate messages of congratulations to the Presidents, governments and peoples of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China respectively, on the auspicious occasions marking the 48th and 59th Independence anniversaries of the two sisterly countries.

In the message to her Nigeria counterpart, President Umaru Y’ar Adua, the Liberian leader conveyed heartiest congratulations and sincerest best wishes, through him, to the government and people of Nigeria, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, and in her own name.

She noted with admiration, the rapid socio-economic gains and the level of democratic reforms, stability and national cohesion the people of Nigeria enjoy.

A Foreign Ministry press release issued recently quotes President Johnson-Sirleaf as expressing optimism that sub-regional cooperation through the ECOWAS framework will be further strengthened under Nigeria’s leadership.

Madam Sirleaf also expressed confidence that the strong ties subsisting between Liberia and Nigeria will grow stronger, as the two nations continue to identify areas of closer cooperation in the years ahead.

In her message to President Hu Jintao of the People’s Republic of China, President Johnson-Sirleaf conveyed sentiments of congratulations and sincere best wishes, noting that as China celebrates its 59th independence anniversary, the people of that country will continue to prosper under the wise policy that accelerated the economic growth and prosperity of that sisterly republic.

The Liberian leader further expressed hope that the friendship, cooperation and solidarity existing between the two countries and peoples will be further strengthened in the years ahead, as both leaders work together for the promotion of international peace and security through the United Nations and other international forums, particularly the Forum for Africa and China Cooperation.

 Meanwhile, President Johnson-Sirleaf has prayed that the government and People of China will enjoy the blessing of peace, cohesion and increasing prosperity under the progressive leadership of Mr. Hu Jintao.

Information Minister Denies Rice Shortage
By Sallu Swaray

Amidst speculations in Monrovia that there is scarcity of the nation’s staple, rice, on the Liberian market, the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICAT), Dr. Laurence Bropleh has dispelled the rumors, terming it as calculated attempt to encourage hoarding of the commodity by unscrupulous businessmen.

	• Dr. Lawrence Bropleh

Speaking Thursday at news conference held at the ministry on Capitol Hill, Dr. Bropleh warned those who might be hoarding the rice that it was a violation of the laws and that those caught in the practice would be severely dealt with, although he could not readily disclose the punitive action.

He pointed out that there was enough rice on the market to meet the demands of consumers and that there was no need in raising false alarm.

It can be recalled in recent days, rumors had been circulated in Monrovia and its environs about the shortage of the commodity in shops, stores and the market, although many shops are visibly seen with stock-pile for sale.