The office of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf says Liberia's traditional friend, the United States of America has no problem with the existing ties between Liberia and the People's Republic of China.

President Sirleaf's Press Secretary, Cyrus Wleh Badio who briefed Executive Mansion reporters yesterday on the details of President Sirleaf's meeting with George W. Bush last week Thursday, quoted President Bush as making it clear to her that his country has no problem with Liberia's relations with China.

Mr. Badio, said President Bush told President Sirleaf during the meeting that if for instance, a Chinese or any American company makes a better offer as it relates to, for example, an agreement concerning Liberia, Liberia has the right to opt for what is better.

According to him, the United States President was blunt to inform Madam Sirleaf that he was not a "Chamber of Commerce," for Liberia to tell the government what to do in such a given situation.

Mr. Badio added that judging from those utterances of the United States President, it is clear that America has no problem with Liberia's existing diplomatic ties with China, which has enhanced the bilateral relationship between the two countries with the leaders of the two countries reciprocating visits.

On other issues, Mr. Badio told reporters that during the meeting, the two leaders discussed a number of other issues bordering on security, infrastructure and employment.

He said as a result of the discussion, President Bush has assured President Sirleaf that the United States will continue to provide funding for the UN Mission operations in Liberia as well as training for the security sector reform.

Meanwhile, contrary to perceptions some people may be harboring in some quarters that Washington gives direct instructions to Liberia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has dismissed the claims.

"Anybody who says Washington gives instructions to Liberia is a person who is very ill-informed," the President told reporters Friday.

She said Liberia makes its own good decisions but all that her government does is to consult the United States especially in the areas where they are providing support because there is a need to get their opinion and consensus in that regard.

"Our own policies are made by us. Our four pillars were not designed in America; they were designed by us and they (America) now follow them," the President added.

President Sirleaf further added that Liberia owns its own agenda and is the master of its own faith and destiny and that America as a partner is welcome.

Source: The Inquirer Newspaper (26 Feb, 2008)