2003 Press Releases

Minister of Lands and US Ambassador Sign Lease Agreement for New Embassy Site

July 31, 2003

Freetown, Sierra Leone
Contact: PAO Kevin Green
Tel: 226481 ext. 209

The US Ambassador, Peter R. Chaveas today signed a long-term land lease agreement with the Minister of Lands, Country Planning and the Environment, Dr. Alfred Bobson Sesay. The signing was witnessed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Momodu Koroma and in the presence of the Minister of Marine Resources, Okere Adams. The signing launches the construction phase for a new United States Embassy.  Groundbreaking at the Embassy site, which is located in the Hill Station area, is planned for early 2004.  It is anticipated that the new Embassy will be open and operational by 2005.  According to Ambassador Chaveas, "The construction of a new U.S. Embassy is not only an indication of the importance of bilateral relations between our two countries, but is a strong expression of U.S. Government confidence in the stability and future of Sierra Leone.  Completion of this facility is a critical step forward in restoring a fully functional U.S. mission in this country."