Press Release

U.S. Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Praises Opening of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (EITI) Resource Center in Liberia

(MONROVIA, June 25, 2007)-The Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy, Mr. Louis Mazel, says the launch of an EITI resource center in Liberia is yet another step forward in the collective efforts to broaden and strengthen stakeholder partnerships that increase accountability of government and civil society in Liberia.

Mr. Mazel speaking at program for the launch of the resource center commended the EITI Coalition for its accomplishments thus far which he said, include effective engagement with the government of Liberia on the EITI process; publication of articles on EITI implementation in Liberia; publication of a simplified guide to the development and execution of the national budget and “Publish What You Pay Initiatives,” among others.

He said the people and Government of the United States are pleased to have provided support for the opening of the resource center for the EITI Coalition in Liberia, and challenged the Coalition to continue to utilize the strengths of all of its member organization in order to ensure growth and sustainability and the end goal of accountability in Liberia.