An official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dispelled and rubbished media report that Ambassador Nathanial Barnes was recalled from post in the United States for allegedly making public statement and speech against the government.

The Assistant Foreign Minister for Public Affairs, Mr. Josephus M. Gray in an interview with journalists Tuesday, August 3, 2010 said the decision by Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to recall Ambassador Barnes for consultations is a normal diplomatic practice, and should not be politicized.

According to Assistant Minister Gray, Ambassador Barnes is not the first Liberian diplomat to be recalled home by the President and added that Ambassadors are usually recalled home for consultation.

The Assistant Foreign Minister told journalists that it is the constitutional prerogative of the President of the Republic of Liberia to appoint, suspend or dismiss Cabinet Ministers, Deputies and Assistant Cabinet Ministers, Ambassadors and other government officials who hold their offices at the pleasure of the president.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Monday, August 2, 2010 recalled with immediate effect Liberian Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Nathanial Milton Barnes.

In a related development, the Assistant Foreign Minister for Public Affairs, Mr. Josephus M. Gray is reminding residents within the Greater Monrovia Area and its environs of their obligation to appropriately observe the Monthly Clear-up Day, which falls on First Saturday of each Month.

According to Assistant Minister Gray, the proper observance of the Monrovia Clean-up Day by Residents will give the capital city and various neighborhoods and communities a face-lift, aimed at promoting a healthy environment.

The Assistant Foreign Minister maintains that it is the responsibility of every resident within the Greater Monrovia Area and its environs to cooperate and support the Cleaning up exercise, which takes place on First Saturday of each Month.

The President of the Republic of Liberia, Her Excellency Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in April 2009 issued a Proclamation, declaring the First Saturday of each month as MONROVIA CLEAN-UP DAY, which is observed within the Greater Monrovia Area from 6:00 ante meridian to 10:00 ante meridian.

The Greater Monrovia Area and its environs where the Monthly Clear-up Day is officially observed on the First Saturday of each Month include Central Monrovia, Congo Town, Bushrod Island, Caldwell, Paynesville, Mount Barclay, all Housing Estates, ELWA-Juarzon, Barnersville, New Georgia, Red-light Pipeline Road, Lower Virginia, Brewerville and beyond.