24 April 2008
The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, has concluded his visit to Liberia with the pledge of a strong and continuing UN commitment to the security and prosperity of the country, especially with peacebuilding efforts and in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, (MDGs).
'I wanted to come here to assure the people of Liberia of my strong commitment to the peace, stability and prosperity of their country and to stress the UN's determination to help them rebuild this important, historically rich nation" said the Secretary General, during an address to a joint session of the legislature at Monrovia's Capitol Building.
Mr. Ban also reassured Liberians that though the UN Mission in Liberia, (UNMIL), has embarked on the first phase of its drawdown or scaling down plan, in compliance with UN Security Council resolution 1777, the Council will only decide on the next phase of the drawdown, after carefully reviewing the progress made by the government in meeting certain critical benchmarks.
"Our common strategic goal is to ensure that Liberia has a solid security sector - one that can stand on its own feet," he said.
The Secretary-General noted that Liberia had made great strides in its recovery from conflict, but said that the country still faces daunting challenges. "More progress is needed in reforming the legal and judicial system and extending the rule of law throughout the country."
He urged the members of the Legislature to combat corruption and create an environment that's friendly to investors. During his visit, Secretary-General Ban held extensive discussions with Vice-President Joseph N. Boakai on matters pertaining to peace and development, security and human rights.
Mr. Ban also held a meeting with members of the cabinet before attending a luncheon hosted by the government of Liberia, where he was 'gowned' at a brief ceremony showing the appreciation, respect and honour that the Liberian people have for him.
The UN Secretary General, accompanied by his wife and other senior UN officials left Monrovia for Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, where he is scheduled to hold a meeting with President Blaise Compaore and other officials before ending his four-nation West African tour in Cote d'Ivoire.
Before arriving in Liberia, Mr. Ban was in Accra, Ghana, where he addressed the 12th Conference of the UN Conference on Trade and Development.
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Not too long we had Pres. Bush concluding his African tour to Liberia with the U.S commitment in helping Liberia achieving lasting peace and stability why Liberia remains the U.S. strongest allies on the continent, and now the UN Secretary General Ben Ki-moon has concluded another round of visit to Liberia and promise the world body strongest and continuing commitment to the security and prosperity of our nation Liberia especially in the area of peacebuilding and Liberia remains a founding member of the United Nation. I think what the Liberian people are interesting in knowing is… [Read Full Text]