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Kufuor seeks smooth repatriation of refugees
Accra, March 26, Ghanadot/GNA - President
John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesday affirmed the Government's
resolve to ensure that repatriation of Liberian refugees was
carried out in a way that would not harm the relations
between the two West African nations.
He said they were ready to dialogue and work out a
convenient timetable with the United Nations High Commission
(UNHCR) and other stakeholders so that the exercise could be
carried through without bitterness and embarrassment to
either of the two countries.
President Kufuor was receiving a high-powered Liberian
delegation led by Foreign Minister, Mrs Olubanke King-Akerele,
and which included Mr Philip A.Z. Banks, Attorney-General
and Minister of Justice, Mr Ambulai Johnson, Internal
Affairs Minister and Mr Gabriel Williams, Deputy Information
Minister, at the Castle, Osu.
They were in the country to convey to President Kufuor the
Liberian Government's regret for the recent unruly conduct
of some of its nationals in Ghana and to work out a plan on
how to get them back home.
President Kufuor said the country within its means has
treated the Liberians fairly for better part of 20 years and
that their situation was no worse than that of their hosts.
He therefore warned that the Government would not allow any
miscreants to mar the good relations Ghana and Liberia had
shared over the decades.
Additionally, they would not want any bad example to
undermine the peace and security of the society.
That would be totally unacceptable, he added.
President Kufuor observed that the political situation that
caused the refugee camp to be set up for the Liberians no
longer existed.
The refugee situation was gone and for that matter nobody
could now claim to be a refugee, a fact, he said, had been
communicated to the UNHCR.
Mrs King-Akerele said her Government regretted all acts by
its nationals that breached the country's public order law.
"We do not condone any such acts. We cannot sanction any act
that contravenes your public order law."
She said Liberia did not want to see its relations with
Ghana torn apart by the unfortunate situation and gave the
assurance that that would not lead to reprisals against
Ghanaians in her country.
The Foreign Minister conveyed their appreciation for the
comfort Ghana provided to the Liberians at the height of the
country's political crisis as well as the critical role
played in the peace agreement leading to the conduct of
democratic elections.
They were also grateful for the continued support Ghana was
providing towards the reconstruction of her country.
GNA
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