Johnson-Sirleaf Signs Tobacco Act

Source from:  thenews.com.lr 09/18/2008

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has signed several legislations submitted by the leadership of Joint House and Senate Committees on Executive. The legislations presented last Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs include an Act prohibiting the sale and use of tobacco products in places and the sale and use of tobacco and tobacco products by persons under 18 years of age. An Act ratifying the investment agreement entered into by the Government of Liberia and Novel Liberia, Inc., as well as an Act ratifying the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty (CTBT) were also signed by the Liberian leader. According to an Executive Mansion release, the President also signed a legislation fixing the day for the annual adjournment of the National Legislature not later than the 31st of August of each year, rather than the previously set July 31st adjournment. An Act establishing Criminal Court 'E' of the First Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County, and Special Divisions of the Circuit Courts of other counties to have special exclusive jurisdiction over the crimes of rape, gang rape, aggravated involuntary sodomy, voluntary sodomy, corruption of minors, sexual abuse of wards and sexual assault respectively was also signed by the President. The release added that an Act ratifying the United Nations Convention on the rights of Persons with disabilities in Liberia was also signed by President Johnson Sirleaf. The legislation would ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. In brief remarks prior to the signing ceremony, the Liberian leader thanked members of the National Legislature for deliberating on the legislations, describing them as crucial to government's efforts to meet some of its international commitments. The President made particular reference to the ratification of the Novel Concession agreement which, she noted, would enable government expand its domestic rice production program. Enditem