Alan Doss and Ellis Togba
13 December 2005
"UNMIL will remain vigilant in the weeks and months ahead and will continue to respond robustly to any attempt to disrupt the process that was set in place by the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement," these were the exact words of the United Nations Secretary General's Special Representative and head of mission of the United Nations operations in Liberia.
His statement was contained in a special statement at medal award ceremony of the Pakistani Contingent of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) held at the Air Strip in Tubmanburg, Bomi County.
He cautioned himself and the gallant men and women in blue helmets to ensure that the hard earned peace is not put in jeopardy by violence.
"The people of Liberia want to renew their lives and move ahead to rebuild their country free of fear," he said and pledged to stress the need for a strong UN security presence if he goes to New York later this month.
Asking for a strong UN security presence in Liberia cannot be overemphasized because, according to the UN boss, "the nascent Liberian government begins to build a new well-trained and accountable security force"
"I ask you to remember as members of the United Nations that each one of us owes a fundamental duty of care to the people of Liberia, and especially to the women and children of this country," Mr. Doss said as dozens of military officers and other residents of Bomi listened attentively.
This is not the first time the UN boss has promised to deal with any threats to the peace, but this latest vow to robustly respond to any attempt to disrupt the peace process came barely twenty four hours after near-death uproar at the Congo Town headquarters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in which several persons, including police officers sustained injuries.
The incident at the CDC headquarters reportedly began minutes after the loser of the November 8 Run-off elections, Ambassador George Weah declared himself president of Liberia and called on partisans and supporters to fight for liberation.
At the same time, the UN boss said the time has come for people to take responsibility of their actions. It is not clear whether his statement was in direct reference to Ambassador George Weah's self declaration and the melee that followed thereafter.
When asked for his position on the issue of Weah declaring himself as president of Liberia, Ambassador Doss replied: "I don't know the details of the statement. I am waiting to get the statement. So it would be premature to make any comments." In other news, the SRSG has praised soldiers of the Pakistani Contingent for the services they have provided the people of Liberia and the mission since they took up assignment.
"It is an honor to join you on this special occasion when members of the Pakistani Contingent are recognized for their contributions made toward maintaining peace in Liberia. I am pleased to convey to you the gratitude the United Nations owes you," he said in honor of the soldiers.
He said by supporting United Nations peacekeeping operations, Pakistan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to international peace and security.
"You provide an invaluable service by ensuring a safe and secure environment in Bomi, Grand Cape Mount, Gbarpolu and Lofa counties. The long borders with Sierra Leone and Guinea in your area of responsibility is a particular challenge, requiring a high level of professionalism," SRSG Doss said of the Pakistani soldiers.
Dozens of Pakistani personnel from different units of the Contingent were awarded UN medals for peace keeping service.
The colorful occasion, which was interspersed will all sorts of the military displays, was watched by Force Commander, Gen. Joseph Owonibi, the Deputy Force Commander, top brass of the UNMIL as well as citizens of the Bomi County.
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