The Embassy of Liberia in Washington, D.C. wishes to inform the general public that as of Monday, July 9, 2012, the Embassy will no longer renew expired Liberian Passports and issue Lessez Passezs. This notice is in light of the launch of the new Liberian ECOWAS Biometry Passport, which took place on June 16, 2012. According to AllAfrica.com, Liberia's newly commissioned Ambassador to the United States was at the ceremony. Liberia's Ambassador to the United States Jeremiah Sulunteh in a special statement to commemorate the launching of the Liberian ECOWAS Biometric Passport described Saturday's event as a manifestation of the efforts of the Government of Liberia to restore Liberia's identity. He said the passport represents the official identity of an individual with his/her country of citizenship.
Ambassador Sulunteh said such identity has been compromised by unscrupulous individuals during the period of crisis and resettlement which denied many Liberians such national recognition. He said there were times in the country's history when a true Liberian did not want to be identified with the Liberian passport due to the situation and state of the country at the time. He said, "Today as we make additional progress in the restoration of Liberia's identity we do so in the interest of all Liberians in the Diaspora to afford you the opportunity to reclaim your identity."
Ambassador Sulunteh warned that the process of issuing Liberian passports in the United States will be guided by strict policies and procedures to avoid "our identity from being compromised." He said the Embassy will deny anyone who wants to compromise Liberia's national identity, adding that the process will be accommodating and said it will also be transparent and revenue generated will go toward national reconstruction and development.
Send by email
PDF version