2007年VOA标准英语-Embattled Liberian House Speaker Steps Down

The speaker of Liberia's House of Representatives resigned Thursday, following a boycott¹ of his legislative² sessions by many lawmakers. Jordan Davis reports from VOA's regional bureau in Dakar.

Edwin Snowe (Jan 2007 photo)

The country's Supreme⁴ Court overturned that decision two weeks ago, and ordered the two groups of lawmakers to reunite.

But spokesman James Jensen says Snowe felt there was no way he could continue in his job.

"His stated reason is that the House of Representatives announced it has no confidence in him and he has no confidence in them," said James Jensen.

Snowe allies say he will decide in the next day or two whether he will resign from the House entirely⁵.

Many in the legislature voted to remove Snowe from office for allegedly undermining Liberian diplomacy⁶ by meeting with Taiwanese officials last year. Liberia recognizes the Chinese government in Beijing, which claims self-ruled Taiwan is part of its own territory.

Snowe accused legislators supporting his ouster of accepting bribes⁷.

The former speaker is an opponent of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Several weeks ago, Ms. Sirleaf made her annual speech setting out her agenda for the year before the group of lawmakers boycotting⁸ Snowe.

Observers say divisions within the House of Representatives have brought legislative work to a halt.

Prince Collins is a journalist based in Monrovia.

"There is a serious crisis and it is indeed deepening by the day, because, at current, there are so many bills, so many laws that need to be passed," said Prince Collins. "Within the next 90 days, the lawmakers will need to elect a new speaker. But this will indeed take some time."

Liberia is trying to rebuild itself with a new constitution after a devastating⁹, 14-year civil war.

Snowe was an ally of former Liberian leader Charles Taylor, who is awaiting trial for war crimes in The Hague.