Press Release (MONROVIA, LIBERIA – December 15, 2011): President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf returned home from Oslo, Norway, on Wednesday, December 14, where she received the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize, to a rousing welcome by hundreds of Liberians who gathered at the Roberts International Airport
.
The jubilant crowd danced and sang songs praising President Sirleaf for making Liberian and African women proud and for being selected as one of three women to receive this year’s award.
President Sirleaf, another Liberian Leymah Gbowee, and Tawakkol Karman of Yemen jointly won the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize for their work in promoting peace and advocating for women’s rights.
In response the Liberian leader thanked her citizens for turning out to welcome her. She urged all Liberians to stand up and work harder for the improvement of the nation, following more than a decade of civil unrest. The Nobel Peace Laureate said the issues of protests and party politics were over, and all Liberians should now concentrate on building the nation.
Commenting on the burning of the Norwegian flag by people who claimed that she does not deserve the Peace Prize, the President described the incident as unfortunate. “It is unfortunate and saddening for people to engage in such act. Interestingly, Norway is a country helping with our lights and other development projects. Norway has also promised to make available some funds for the reconstruction of the hydro,” the President stressed.
She urged those engaged in the flag burning to apologize to Norway, denounce violence and promote peace and the rule of law.
The welcome ceremony at the Roberts International Airport was followed by a Thanksgiving and Intercessory Service at the Philadelphia Central Church in Congo Town and a “welcome home” rally at the Fish Market across from the President’s residence.
Send by email
PDF version