Zwedru, Liberia - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Ellen Margrethe Løj has called on all Liberians to ensure successful, free, fair and peaceful 2011 elections, and thereby contributing to sustain the hard won peace in Liberia.   

SRSG Løj made these remarks in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County on Thursday, 8 July when she awarded 119 Indian Formed Police Unit II officers with UN peace medals for their support in maintaining Liberia’s peace. ‘Despite several challenges, the Liberian people have worked hard towards peace and a lot has been accomplished. It is now time to strengthen the peace enjoyed by all” said the SRSG urging Liberians to actively participate in the process and exercise their civic duty. The UN Envoy also called on all political actors to take advantage of the democratic space and express their ideas and views in a way that enhances trust and confidence in the democratic system.

The UN Envoy appealed to the international community to continue to support the political process and urged all components of UNMIL to stay vigilant and protect the unbroken peace that has been sustained in the past eight years.

SRSG Løj commended the Indian FPU II for successfully contributing to Liberia’s safety and security and for supporting the Liberian security agencies, in particular in Maryland and Grand Gedeh Counties, through regular patrols to some of the most remote areas. ‘I acknowledge and commend your high level of professionalism, dedication to service and tireless vigilance in keeping Liberia’s communities safer, thus allowing its people to focus on the arduous task of rebuilding their future” said the UN Envoy.  

Ms Løj praised the Indian FPU II for reinforcing the Zwedru Palace of Corrections by erecting two more watch towers and establishing complete perimeter lighting. She also noted the logistical support provided to UNHCR, during the recent crisis in the Ivory Coast and when the agency was overwhelmed with the influx of refugees. “This is truly the spirit of ‘One UN’”, she remarked.

The SRSG also expressed her gratitude to the Indian Formed Police Unit officers for their achievements outside their mandated tasks. She thanked them for providing numerous training opportunities for the youth in Zwedru.

The medal award ceremony was attended by Hon. Consul General of India, Mr. Upjith Singh Sachdeva;
Police Commissioner, Mr. Gautam Sawang; Force Commander, Maj. General Mohamed Khalid ,Officer-In-Charge of Mission Support, Mr. Vincent Smith; Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ms. Rose Stryker and other Senior UNMIL Police , Military and Civilian officers