3 December 2008
Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, Liberia - UN Envoy Ms. Ellen Margrethe Løj has said despite progress made in maintaining peace and stability in Liberia, the need to strengthen and reform legal institutions, social and justice systems, and to enhance the capacity of national institutions, is still crucial in addressing remaining challenges in Liberia.
She reconfirmed the commitment of the United Nations to the broader agenda of peace building in Liberia when she awarded medals to more than 550 members of the UNMIL Chinese military contingent in Zwedru.
Commending the contingent, comprising Transport, Engineering and Medical units, for their contribution to peace and stability in Liberia, Ms. Løj said, "the contingent has made a sterling contribution to enhance the quality of life of the Liberian people".
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) made special reference to a "significant last-minute effort" on the part of the Engineering unit to complete a bridge from Fishtown to Harper that would link the remote southern part of Liberia to the rest of the country.
"It will be tangible and visible evidence of your presence in this area," she noted. Materials for the bridge arrived in Liberia shortly before the contingent is due to leave in mid-December.
Highlighting that the capacity of national institutions and infrastructure of Liberia must be rebuilt to better serve Liberians at all levels of society, the SRSG emphasized that, "The joining of forces by the Government and international community to see these challenges through can only pave the way for the Liberian Government to eventually take charge of Liberia".
China's Ambassador to Liberia, Mr. Zhuo Yuxio said, through their work and conduct, the Chinese support units have "served the local people well and exhibited a good image of the Chinese army". He reiterated his country's commitment, as one of the permanent members of the UN Security Council, to promote world peace and human development.
UNMIL Force Commander Lt.-Gen. ATM Zahirul Alam, Director of Mission Support, Mr. Stephen Liberman, Military Chief of Staff, Brig.-Gen. Emmanuel Quist, Sector IV Commander, Brig.-Gen. Hadera Abraha and Deputy Commander of Sector I, Col. Okoi Ubi Obono, also attended the ceremony.
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