Liberia hopes for "more trade, less aid" from Bush

Posted 02 21 2008 5:22AM

MONROVIA (Reuters) - Liberians called for "more trade, lessaid" on Wednesday as they prepared to welcome President GeorgeW. Bush, who winds up his African tour with a visit toWashington's staunchest ally on the continent.

Scores of workers in overalls repainted buildings, cleanedstreets and hung posters of Bush and his wife Laura in thewar-damaged capital Monrovia ahead of the visit on Thursday byBush, the first by an American president in 30 years.

Bush arrives on the final leg of a five-nation Africantour, during which he has promoted his multi-billion-dollaranti-malaria and anti-AIDS projects in Africa and backedefforts to solve crises in Kenya and Darfur.

Founded by freed American slaves in 1847, Liberia has longregarded the United States as its "big brother." During theCold War, it served as the CIA's main listening post in Africa.

But many Liberians complain that Washington ignored theWest African country during a 1989-2003 civil war, which killed200,000 people. Some said Bush's arrival was prompted byconcern at China's growing commercial presence on thecontinent.

"I see Bush's visit as belated. When Liberia needed Americamost, they were not there to help us," said politicalcommentator Alexander Kollie. "We do not need aid. We needtrade, trade where both countries will benefit."

Many in the country of 3 million people still resent Bush'sdecision not to send in U.S. marines as rebels laid siege toMonrovia in 2003.

Bush insisted at that time that U.S. troops would deployonly after warlord Charles Taylor stepped down, which hefinally did after months of more fighting.

LIBERIA WOULD HOST MILITARY

While other countries have spurned U.S. overtures for agreater military presence in Africa, Liberia has said it wouldwillingly host a new continental U.S. military command, knownas Africom.

Speaking in Ghana on Wednesday, Bush tried to assuage fearsof a military build-up, saying that his government did not planto build any new military bases but could still put "some kindof office" representing Africom on the continent.

Bush also hailed Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf,who took office in 2006 as Africa's first elected femaleleader, as an example of the continent's progress on democracy.

Johnson-Sirleaf recently praised Bush's support on health,education and debt relief. "His visit strengthens the alreadyexisting ties between Liberia and America," she said.

Once a major exporter of iron ore and timber, Liberia hasstruggled to recover from the civil war. It is still home to10,000 United Nations peacekeepers and many poor people in thecapital still lack electricity and running water.

"Thank God for President Bush's visit," said EstellaRichardson, a university student. "If this man was not cominghere, we would not have some areas clean at all."

Many Liberians expressed hope the visit would bringinvestment by U.S. companies, like Wal-Mart and car maker Ford.

But some complained that shanties had been torn down forBush's visit. On the main streets, potholes left over from thewar were being filled by a Chinese building firm.

Relations between China and Liberia have flourished sinceMonrovia severed ties with Taiwan in 2003. Bush's trip followsa visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao just over a year ago.

(Writing by Daniel Flynn; Editing by Dominic Evans)