Germany’s Investment Preconditions

New Democrat (Monrovia)

A. Abbas Dulleh

20 May 2011

Germany’s Federal Minister of Economic Cooporation and Development (BMZ), here on an official visit, says his country is prepared to assist toward Liberia’s reconstruction process, but outlined some preconditions and fears.

Speaking at the Foreign Ministry Thursday, Minister Dirk Niebel indicated those fears and preconditions as acceptance of results of the impending general elections to avoid the scenario in Cote d’Ivoire, arresting corruption in official circles and strengthening security.

“It is easy for Germany to find investors to assist Liberia in its infrastructure development, but you need security and you need to fight corruption,” Mr. Niebel said through an interpreter.

The top German official revealed that his government has already put these issues before the Liberian Government for consideration.

Mr. Niebel told journalists Thursday that during the discussions, he acquainted President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf with the need for candidates of the impending general elections to respect the results of the poll.

He expressed fears that the refusal of parties to accept the results will give reasons for the scenario in neighboring Ivory Coast.

However, he said President Sirleaf assured him that mechanisms have been put in place to ensure that parties accept elections results.

To ensure transparency, Mr. Niebel said Germany desires for the European Union to observe the elections, but if Liberian parties disagree, then Germany will trust that Liberians will make the process credible.

“As part of our regional approach in Africa, we want to see lasting peace and stability in Liberia,” he emphasized.

Meanwhile, the German delegation – headed by Dirk Niebel and comprising Federal parliamentarians, businesspeople and journalists — will visit Grand Gedeh Thursday to assess the condition of Ivorian refugees there.

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