Craig Ruttle/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Sept 27 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday announced visa restrictions for individuals who he said were "undermining democracy" in Liberia ahead of the country's elections in October.
THE TAKEBlinken in a statement released by the U.S. State Department did not specify how many people were affected or identify them.
KEY QUOTEThe U.S. visa restrictions target people believed to be responsible for "undermining democracy in Liberia, including through manipulation or rigging of the electoral process; use of violence ....; or engagement in any other activity designed to improperly influence the outcome of an election," Blinken said.
* October elections in Liberia will test the popularity of ex-football star Weah after a chaotic first term.
* The European Union said last month it will send an observation mission to Liberia ahead of the country's general election in October.
Persons:
Antony Blinken, Craig Ruttle, Blinken, George Weah's, Nathaniel McGill, Weah, Joseph Boakai, Kanishka Singh, Tom Hogue, Cynthia Osterman
Organizations:
Rights, Wednesday, U.S . State Department, U.S, Liberian, European Union, Thomson
Locations:
Iran, New York, U.S, Liberia, Americas, Washington