Liberia Tourism

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:  Liberia is a western African country that has suffered from years of instability and conflict.  In August 2003, negotiations among warring parties led to the departure of former President Charles Taylor, and a national government of transition came into power in October 2003.  Since that time substantial progress has been made in the resettlement of refugees and displaced persons and the reintegration of former combatants.  Reconstruction of the country's infrastructure is ongoing.  Respect for human rights and the rule of law has improved.  Economic development and the elimination of corruption remain problematic.  By most measures, Liberia is one of the poorest countries in the world.  Tourism facilities are poor or, in many cases, nonexistent.  ... [Read More]

Student Visas (F1) - United States Monrovia Liberia Embassy

If you are going to the U.S. primarily for tourism, but want to take a short course of study of less than 18 hours per week, you may be able to do so do so on a tourist visa. You should inquire at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If your course of study is more than 18 hours a week, you will need a student visa. Please read this information for general information on how to apply for an F1 or M1 student visa. ... [Read More]

Liberia

There were reports that MODEL rebels killed civilians in Greenville and Harper after capturing these towns from government forces. MODEL fighters summarily executed scores of civilians believed to be government sympathizers. MODEL fighters also reportedly kill officials of Taylor's National Patriotic Party (NPP). MODEL fighters were also reported to have killed persons in River Gee County on suspicion of being members of the progovernment River Gee Defense force. Rebels were responsible for numerous killing during the year. For example, Between July 21 and August 11, LURD forces occupying Bushrod Island allegedly killed, in public, several persons they believed were members of government security forces. Witnesses also reported seeing a number of bodies in the streets of Bushrod Island that appeared to have been killed deliberately, as opposed to accidentally during fighting. On August 6, three bodies were seen near Vai Town Hardware ... [Read More]

Liberia

In Monrovia eight newspapers were published during the year, although some published very irregularly. Two are independent dailies and five generally appeared once or more a week; they vary in their political balance. The Public Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism publishes one newspaper, and the communications network owned by the President publishes one weekly newspaper. The ruling party also publishes a newspaper. ...

With some notable exceptions, government officials reluctantly are tolerant of the press; however, they frequently rebuked the media publicly for what they considered negative reporting of events. In April the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism publicly urged journalists to portray the country in a positive light; however, there were no reports that the Government acted against journalists who did not do so. The Government also announced the creation of a media advisory committee to reduce tensions between the Government and the press; however, there were no reports that tensions were reduced following its creation. In May the Government announced new requirements for foreign journalists, arguing that the international media were carrying out a propaganda campaign against the country. The requirements included a minimum 72-hour advance notice of intent to enter the country and a 24-hour waiting period for accreditation after arrival. The Government also ordered local journal ... [Read More]

Liberia

In Monrovia eight newspapers were published during the year, although some publish very irregularly.  Two are independent dailies and five generally appeared once or more a week; they vary in their political balance.  The Public Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism publishes one newspaper, and the communications network owned by the President publishes one weekly newspaper.  Several newspapers that had not published regularly, and an alternative press organization became active following the news blackout in March organized by the press union in response to the closure of two radio stations.  There were numerous reports that government officials funded these newspapers, and that they generally reported only pro-government news.  The ruling party also published a newspaper that circulated frequently during the period following the closures of the radio stations; however, the frequency of its publishing lessened later in the year. [Read More]

Tips for Travelers to Sub Saharan Africa

March 2001 Foreword Your trip to Africa will be an adventure off the beaten path. Conditions and customs in sub-Saharan Africa can contrast sharply with those in the United States. These pages contain advice to help you avoid inconvenience and difficulties. Take our advice seriously but don’t let it keep you at home. Most Americans have unforgettable experiences in Africa. We are often welcomed and helped by Africans who are happy to share not just their scenery, but their culture and tradition ... [Read More]

Arms and Conflict in Africa

Apart from undermining the promise of African democratization and development, armed conflicts contribute to political decay, facilitate state collapse, cause widespread human rights violations, generate refugees and internally displaced persons, and exacerbate famine conditions. Conflicts also divert scarce resources away from social services, disrupt trade, discourage tourism, and contribute to the breakdown of family structures. The pervasiveness and persistence of conflict also have grave psychological consequences as children are traumatized or become accustomed to a culture of violence. ... [Read More]

Guinea

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:  Guinea is a developing country in western Africa, with minimal facilities for tourism.  Travelers who plan to stay in Conakry, the capital, should make reservations in advance.  French is the official language.  Read the Department of State Background Notes on Guinea at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2824.htm for additional information. ... [Read More]

Presidential Determination with Respect to Foreign Governments’ Efforts Regarding Trafficking in Persons

Statement of Explanation:  TurkeyOn the basis of positive actions recently undertaken by the Government of Turkey since the end of the 2003 reporting period, the Secretary of State has determined that the Government of Turkey does not yet fully comply with the Act’s minimum standards for elimination of trafficking, but is making significant efforts to bring itself into compliance. This is the standard for placement on Tier 2 of the State Department’s Trafficking in Persons report. In June 2003, the Government of Turkey was presented with a work plan by the State Department that outlined steps to combat trafficking. Since that time, it has accomplished each of the items in the Department’s work plan, thus demonstrating "significant efforts." These efforts include: [Read More]

Daily Briefing for August 12

QUESTION: Okay. If you could give me an update on the State Department stance with regard to the visit of tourists, Israeli Tourist Minister, who will be here to try and encourage -- he will talk to a number of Christian fundamentalist groups, radio talk-show hosts and the like, to encourage tourism to Israel in spite of, I guess, the State Department warning about Americans traveling there; but will also speak in favor of maintaining the fence or the wall, which of course, has been a bone of contention between the United States and Israel. What is the State Department's position on this? Do you see this as a -- ... [Read More]