The Judge presiding over the ongoing treason trial at Criminal Court “A,” Temple of Justice, Peter Gbenewelleh said the Ellen-led government could have killed defendants Charles Julu and Andrew Dorbor if the government was wicked compare to past governments.

	• Charles Julu - Defendant

He said the government of the Unity Party believes in the rule of law and that this why the accused (Julu, Dorbor) are currently being given their days in court in keeping with law.

The Criminal Court-A judge made the statement when the leading lawyer representing Julu and Dorbor in the proceeding, Cllr. Dempster Brown accused the Government of playing tactics that may likely result to the death of his clients (Julu and Dorbor).

The two former Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) retired soldiers are on trial for their alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the UP-led administration.

Making the statement in open court yesterday judge Gbenewelleh also used the authority of his gavel to remind and warn the prosecution and defense lawyers to treat each other with respect while before the court.

He warned the two parties to avoid attacking each other personally but to hit the needed issues surrounding the ongoing treason case so as produce the evidence that may likely convict or acquit the accused.

Judge Gbenewelleh’s warning comes in awake when prosecuting lawyers led by Attorney Samuel Jacobs complained to the Court of personal attacks from defense lawyers.

Meanwhile, the third witness produced by defense lawyers, Ephraim Gaye told the Court that the Ellen led administration on October 11, 2007, led by his brother Junior Gaye offered he (Ephraim) US$1,500 in order to tell lies about the accused.

Witness Gaye gave the testimonies on April 21, 2008 in open court during which time he alleged that he immediately refused said offer (US$1,500).

The defense third witness also told the Court that he and defendant Dorbor received US$25.00 and US$50.00 as hotel and transport each from a Lebanese Businessman identified as Jacob Karun. The trial continues today.

ADB, USAID To Aid Small Businesses

Small- and medium-size African businesses often are underserved by large commercial banks because they are too small, and they do not qualify for microfinance loans because they are not small enough, says Henrietta Fore, administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

	• AfDB President Kaberuka

To help these businesses, which often need low-interest loans to grow, USAID and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) signed an agreement that will mobilize up to $125 million in private financing for these entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. 

A minimum 25 percent of the businesses helped will be owned by women, USAID said April 15.

"This collaboration between the African Development Bank and USAID will help entrepreneurs throughout Africa access needed credit and will also provide technical assistance to improve their business development skills," Fore said. 

"Most importantly, we will work with a range of private banks using sound business practices to increase commercial lending to African entrepreneurs."

USAID said that without joint risk guarantees from USAID and AfDB these small businesses probably would not have access to financing.  The agreement also signals an important relationship between the development bank and USAID in promoting private sector development in Africa. 

The agency and the bank expect that it will take less than six months to mobilize the funding, according to USAID. "Small- and medium-sized enterprises, as we know, create employment and are a critical component of economic growth," Fore said at the signing ceremony in Washington.

"This partnership is a prime example of how development organizations can build upon and reinforce one another's strengths.  The result is a much-needed expansion of financial services for African entrepreneurs."

The agreement, signed by Fore and AfDB President Donald Kaberuka, marks the first time the two agencies have partnered to extend a joint guarantee, USAID said.

The initial agreement is for making financing available to businesses, but the collaborative relationship established by the agreement between the two agencies will last a minimum of five years.

"The ability of entrepreneurs, small businesses and individuals to obtain loans is very limited, so the benefits of launching such a partnership will enable local and international banks to have greater access to ... guarantees, providing a bridge to encourage greater lending," USAID said.

"By demonstrating to the market the viability of [small and medium-size entrepreneurs], private financial institutions will gain the experience necessary to continue lending without additional USAID-AfDB support," it added.

Based on earlier experiences, USAID says it expects to support approximately 26,000 micro-small- and medium-size businesses throughout Africa with this agreement.  USAID and AfDB will develop public-private partnerships with eight African financial institutions in seven countries.

In addition, the USAID-African Development Bank partnership is an integral component of the African Entrepreneur Facility (AEF), which is a public-private sector initiative to support the growth of small and medium-size businesses, Fore said.

"This expansion will spur job creation and will lead to sustainable economic growth," she said.  Access to funds will come through joint loan guarantees, and additional capital will be mobilized through funds managed by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation's African Social Development Funds, she said.