The Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations Mission in Liberia, Margaret Ellen Loj has highlighted progresses and setbacks toward moving Liberia from the abyss of social, economic and political depravation to the mountains of hope and prosperity in her eighteen progress report to the United Nations in New York.

Amongst topics accentuated include the "political situation, the state of security, the state of the economy, humanitarian situation, regional dimension, implementation of the mandate of the mission, security sector reform and armed forces of Liberia. Other developments highlighted in her report are the Liberian national police, strengthening judicial, legal and corrections institutions, promotion of human rights and many more.

At an UNMIL regular press conference yesterday, Mrs. Loj said the mandate of the mission was being until September 30, 2009 in keeping with Resolution 1836 of 2008.

In view of the extent of that progress, she has recommended an adjustment to the military and police components of UNMIL troop, as the situation would permit and without compromising the security of Liberia.

The UNMIL boss said the Security Council has asked for a comprehensive assessment of the progress toward building the capacity of the Liberian National Police and the contribution of UNMIL toward the goal, as well as recommendations on possible adjustment needed to UNMIL police training or concept of operations, and the present report covers the above and also provides an up date on major developments in Liberia since her report dated 15 August s/2008/553.

On the tenure of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her achievements, she told the world body that things were far better improved and that the relationship between the Legislative and executive branches continued to improve, allowing for the adoption of several key legislative bills, including the Defence Act and the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission Act.

On bills sent to the national legislature, Mrs. Loj said important draft bills were pending owing partly to the suspension of the Senate's President Pro-Tempore. According to her, the leadership dispute in the senate seriously hampered the work of the Legislature during the second half of 2008.

Other issues highlighted in her report are the threshold bill that is before the lawmakers, among many others.