Clinton cuts embassy ribbon in Liberia

Top U.S. diplomat Hillary Clinton began her African trip with inaugurations -- one for the Liberian president and the other for a new U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. "This new compound is a testament to the work you do, and it is a symbol of America's lasting commitment to our partners today," Clinton said Monday. "We are committed to standing with the people of Liberia as you, as they, continue their important journey, reconciling political and ethnic differences, strengthening democracy, bringing prosperity and opportunity to people, particularly young people." Clinton also attended the inauguration of Liberian President Ellen Sirleaf, who was elected to a second term. Clinton's whirlwind visit ends Tuesday. Other stops includes a visit to Ivory Coast, where she will visit with President Alassane Ouattara to discuss U.S. support for national reconciliation and strengthening democratic institutions after legislative elections in December, the State Department said. In the first visit by a U.S. secretary of state to Togo, Clinton will meet President Faure Gnassingbe as a show of U.S. support for Togo's democratic progress and economic reforms and to congratulate Togo on its recent election to a non-permanent seat on the U.S. Security Council. In Cape Verde, Secretary Clinton will meet Prime Minister Jose Maria Neves to discuss cooperation on regional issues.