MONROVIA – In what is seen as a strategic mechanism to strive for a mutual cooperation, the leadership of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) and the Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, Ren Yisheng held a fruitful discussion where both expressed commitments to collaborate to enhance Liberia’s Rule of Law program as Liberia strides to improve its democratic credentials.
According to a press statement issued by the umbrella body of the legal profession in Liberia and signed by its Secretary General, Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, at a meeting by the Ambassador Yisheng, on November 30, 2022 in honor of the LNBA Leadership at the Chinese Embassy near Monrovia, both the LNBA Leadership and Chinese Ambassador Yisheng agreed to collaborate in several areas which include but not limited to exchange programs between the LNBA and the All China Lawyers Association, (ACLA), capacity building, reform of the Rule of Law Sector and support to the fight against corruption.
Ambassador Yisheng assured the Leadership of the Bar that the Chinese Embassy will actively promote exchanges and cooperation between All China Lawyers Association (ACLA) and the LNBA and is ready to facilitate visits to China and provide training opportunities in China for LNBA’s Leadership and its members.
He used the time to inform the Leadership of the LNBA about tremendous progress made by the Chinese Government in accelerating its Rule of Law Program through the “Law Based Governance Program of China”. The Chinese diplomat averred that “to build a strong rule of law system, there must be a need to achieve complete scientific and unified legal norms, fair and efficient authoritative law enforcement and justice systems, as well as effectively restricting and supervising the exercise of power which portends full respect and safeguard of legitimate rights and interests of the people”.
Ambassador Yisheng also informed the LNBA Leadership about China’s major achievements and great changes over the past 10 years as contained in its “Law Based Governance Report” which include, but not limited to comprehensive deepening reforms, winning a complete victory of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, strengthening ecological and environmental governance and conservation and also joining the ranks of the world’s innovators with breakthroughs in some core technologies in key fields such as spaceflight program, ICT, Artificial Intelligence and energy. The Chinese Ambassador indicated that China is prepared to adhere to the independent foreign policy of peace, conduct exchanges and cooperation on the basis of respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity, equality and mutual benefit.
“The Chinese Ambassador reminded the LNBA about its role in the areas of peace and stability, democracy and justice which will only enhance prosperity and development in Liberia. He called on the leadership of the Bar to always strive to safeguard the correct implementation of the law, fairness and justice which will always protect the legitimate rights and interests of the Liberian people”, the release said.
The LNBA Leadership for its part, commended the Chinese Diplomat for the meeting and reminded the Chinese Ambassador about the overall mandate of the LNBA; which is to promote the sciences of jurisprudence, advance the cause of legal education and help maintain the independence of the judiciary to ultimately enhance the rule of law.
The statement said LNBA told the Chinese Ambassador that it remains a professional membership organization established by an Act of the Liberian Legislature in 1907 to fully articulate and defend the interest of its membership and promote fraternal feelings and good fellowship among the members of the Association and between them and members of Bar Associations of foreign Countries.
“As a progressive partner, the LNBA will always remain engaged with relevant International partners such as the Chinese Embassy to critically dissect Liberia’s rule of law Program and proffer alternative mains to keep Liberia’s democracy afloat. The LNBA believes that a vibrant rule of law system will only guarantee peaceful co-existence for all Liberians. Consistent with the collaboration between the Bar and the Chinese Embassy, Ambassador Ren Yisheng has graciously accepted an invitation from the LNBA’s Leadership to visit both the current and proposed Headquarters of the Bar to acquaint himself with activities of the Bar”, the statement said.
Meanwhile, in another news, the LNBA Leadership is commending state prosecutors for calling off the three week strike which paralyzed courts across the country. The prosecutors who represent the government in legal cases, were demanding the government to increase their monthly salaries and provide benefits, including vehicles. But after an intervention of the LNBA and other relevant actors, coupled with promises made by the Liberian Government to address their concerns, prosecutors have conditionally agreed to return to work.
“The LNBA reminds the GoL that the primary function of prosecutors is to carry out criminal prosecutions and conduct all civil suits to which the Republic of Liberia is a party. The LNBA calls on the Government to quickly address concerns of prosecutors to avert a repeat of the recent episode”, the statement said.
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