National Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman Emeritus Chief Cyril Allen is demanding an open apology from the United States Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires, Madam Catherine Rodriguez, for her decision to storm out of Liberia’s 177th Independence Day celebrations.
The controversy arose during the Independence Day address delivered by National Orator Robtel Pailey, who challenged Liberia’s long-held relationship with the United States in a “bold and controversial speech.”
Angered by Pailey’s remarks, Madam Rodriguez and her aide reportedly walked off the national event in protest.
Speaking recently in Monrovia, Allen noted that the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and State for Presidential Affairs should seek an audience with the US Embassy officials to compel the CDA to apologize for her “undiplomatic” action.
“The behavior of the U.S delegation led by its Chargé d’Affaires was undiplomatic, and there is a need for an apology to President Joseph Boakai and the Liberian people at large,” Allen said.
The NPP chairman acknowledged the long-standing ties between Liberia and the United States but argued that Pailey’s speech represented the views of her generation and should not have been met with such a strong reaction from the US diplomat.
In a sharp response, the US Embassy defended Madam Rodriguez’s actions, stating that while the orator is entitled to freedom of speech, the CDA chose to exercise her right not to listen to such remarks.
