ANTWERP, Belgium, October 4 -- The European Federation of Liberian Associations (EFLA) was established in July 2003 to support Liberians living in the European Union (EU) to participate in EU-Liberia policy making, primarily as discussion partners, researchers and partners in implementation of Project Activities in Liberia.

Seriously concerned about the destructive forces of civil war that characterized our beloved country, Liberia, and understanding that there is large pool of Liberian expertise within the EU that needs to be tapped, EFLA plans to actively engage Liberian Diaspora groups and all stakeholders in crisis prevention, governance and recovery programs so that we generate added value to the peace and reconstruction process in Liberia.

EFLA, however, does not support political parties and/or religious or ethnic groups. EFLA welcomes all Liberians from different ethnic groups, political affiliations and religious beliefs. Membership is opened to all Liberian Organizations in Europe.

In furtherance of the communication sent to the National Elections Commission (NEC) dated 31 May 2005 wherein the EFLA and Union of Liberian Associations in the Americas (ULAA) cited the high interest demonstrated by Diaspora Liberians in these coming elections, and requested that the NEC grant ULAA and EFLA a Special Observer Status. This will allow our organizations to send representatives to Liberia who will observe the elections and report back to Liberians in the Diaspora.

We are pleased to inform all Liberians at home and in the Diaspora that EFLA will be sending an eight (8) man team headed by its President, Mr. Elvis Morris to Liberia on 5th October 2005 to participate as Observers in the elections. We would be also meeting with the Head of the Transitional Government, the UN, the EU and the NTLA to discuss issues of concern and interest to Liberians in the Diaspora.

EFLA is anticipating a process that is free and fair and want to admonish all Liberians to turn out on October 11th, 2005 at their various polling centres to exercise their franchise. Our message is that Liberians in the Diaspora want to return home to help rebuild the country and this election can definitely begin that process. That is why EFLA has given it top priority.

We want to assure you all of our complete neutrality and objectivity in these elections and will present you all a full report at the end of our stay in Liberia to be disseminated amongst the greater Liberian Community in the Diaspora.

Meanwhile, EFLA has informed the leadership of its counterpart, ULAA and the Steering Committee of the All Liberian National Conference through its Chairlady, Mrs. Mydea Reeves -Karpeh of its trip to Liberia to represent Liberians in the Diaspora at the October 11th elections.

Signed:

John Nimly Brownell

Secretary General, EFLA

Dambrugestraat 151

2060 Antwerp, Belgium

Website:www.liberiansineurope.org

E-mail: info@liberiansineurope.org or liberiansineurope@yahoo.com

Tel: +33 609044323, +44 7793884509, +32 494207925

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