Liberia's Vice President, Joseph N. Boakai, Sr., says the Makona River Union-a sub-regional grouping which brings together members of the Kissi ethnic group of Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone-has made positive progress and built a strong bond of unity among its members.

Vice President Boakai observed that the founding of the Union in the Sierra Leonean border town of Koindu in 2005 has helped calm tensions in border areas of the three countries and brought about cultural exchanges and reunited families in the three countries.

"The purpose of the organization has been accomplished in many ways," he noted.

He expressed optimism that the existence of the organization would help to enhance security, stability and development in the three countries.

Vice President Boakai was addressing a four-day Extraordinary Assembly of the Union at a local hotel in Monrovia. The assembly which closed on Sunday brought together delegates from Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, as well as observers from the international donor community.

The Liberian Vice President observed that at the initial stage of its founding, there was lot of misgiving about the organization and that organizer spent a lot of time educating authorities about the purpose of the organization.

He said it was gratifying that governments of the three countries have begun to understand the nature of the organization and are giving it their full support.

Vice President Boakai however welcomed the change of name to an association, noting that this will make it clear that the Makona River Union is in no way competing with the Mano River Union-a political grouping that brings together Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and La Cote d'Ivoire.

In welcome remarks, the Regional Chairman of the Union, Eugene F. Kparkar, one of Lofa C0ounty Rep to the National Legislature, said the ultimate aim of the Union was to consolidate peace and stability in Liberia, Guinea and Sierra Leone, as well as bridge the language barrier in the three countries.

According to Rep Kparkar, the Union would also be used to campaign against the proliferation of small arms and other dangerous substances that have held back development in the three countries, as well as raise HIV/AIDS awareness.

"We intend to offer the Union to serve as an engine for peace building and development," Representative Kparkar emphasized.

In his report, the Secretary General of the Union, Mr. Saa Philip Joe, a former Liberian lawmaker, observed that the civil conflicts in Liberia and Guinea brought about mistrust, animosity and enmity among peoples of the three countries, and that the desire to tackle these problems gave rise to the Makona River Union.

He said unlike the Mano River union which groups together Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and La Cote d'Ivoire, the Makona River Union is a grassroots organization which aims to enhance security, peace and development in the three countries.

He said activities of the Makona River Union since its formation in 2005, have helped to build the much needed confidence among peoples of the three countries, adding, "cordial relations now exist among the peoples of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia".

Earlier in remarks, Liberia's Foreign Minister, Olubanke King Akerele, stressed the need for the Makona River Union to change its nomenclature to reflect its true status as an association. She said she was pleased with the idea of the Makona River Association as a true partner representing a civil society entity.