11 March 2008
Germany has announced a contribution of US$1.4m to support training and capacity development of the Liberia National Police and the Ministry of Justice in the enforcement of law and order.
Speaking at the announcement ceremony held at UNDP on Monday, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General for Governance and Recovery Mr. Jordan Ryan said Germany has being a major contributor in many aspect of security sector reforms and small arms and light weapon control in Liberia and the West African region.
He said: "The current support will impact positively on the role of the police as a viable democratically principled law enforcement agency and a vital organ for promoting democracy and human rights".
Mr. Ryan described security as an important instrument in peace building and stresse that "the reduction of poverty and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, which the government is committed to achieving through her poverty reduction strategy is only possible in a peaceful environment".
He reaffirmed the support of UNDP and the entire UN system to the government in its efforts to implement the PRS as a platform for peace building and sustainable recovery.
German Ambassador accredited to Liberia, Ilse Lindemann-Macha said German contribution is a fulfillment of a commitment made during the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel when she visited Liberia last year.
She said the German Chancellor made strong commitment to assist Liberia in building the capacity of the Liberia National Police to respond to the security needs of the country. Ambassador Lindemann-Macha added that "one major area in reconstructing Liberia is the police".
She said the contribution is the first step and her government will support other programmes of the police in Lofa County because it is strategically located.
Police Inspector General Col. Beatrice Munah Sieh welcomed the German Government's contribution to strengthening the capacity of the Liberia National Police.
The German contribution will assist in purchasing vehicles for 10 counties and construction of 6 police barracks to enhance the deployment of police officers throughout the country.
300 officers including 150 women are to benefit from the specialized training as part of the German support to the Liberia National Police.
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