Monrovia, Liberia - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Ellen Margrethe Løj has called on Liberians to exercise their civic duty and ensure that the 2011 elections is a peaceful and harmonious process.

SRSG Løj made these remarks in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County on Thursday, 30 June when she awarded 558 troops of the 11th Chinese Contingent with UN peace medals for their support in maintaining Liberia’s peace. The UN Envoy reiterated UNMIL’s commitment to ensure successful 2011 elections stating ‘‘The United Nations family stands ready to support Liberia’s democratic transition. The UN Envoy added “At the same time, I underline that a successful election and a peaceful post-electoral transition is a shared responsibility of all Liberians.” 

SRSG Løj commended the Chinese Contingent for contributing to the Mission and making a difference in the lives of the Liberians since their first deployment in 2003. She thanked the Chinese Transport Company 11, for its crucial role in ensuring the safe delivery of supplies and construction materials to UNMIL troops around the country, including essential UNHCR materials to the bordering counties following the recent influx of Ivorian refugees.

Ms Løj similarly praised the Chinese Engineers for successfully contributing to UNMIL’s work in Liberia by carrying out infrastructure development on the roads in the most remote corners of the country.  ‘Liberian children have been able to go to school, traders have been able to access markets, patients managed to receive medical attention they badly needed” said the SRSG and applauded the Chinese engineers for constructing the 270 km roads connecting Zwedruto Fish Town, Zwedru to Tappita and Zwedru to Pyne.

The SRSG also expressed her sincere gratitude to the Level II Chinese Medical Company for treating more than 1,300 patients since their deployment.

Ms Løj further referred to the Chinese peacekeepers as “true ambassadors of peace” and thanked them for mobilizing their own resources and providing school and sporting materials to the N. V. Massaquoi Elementary School in Monrovia and also for their free medial outreaches in their area of responsibility.

‘‘Your accomplishments in this Mission portray China’s commitment to peace and global security, demonstrating its status as a leading country in peacekeeping” said SRSG Løj.

Attending the medal award ceremony were Chinese Ambassador to Liberia: H.E. Zhao Jianhua; Chinese Military Attaché to Liberia: Liu Shengli; Force Commander, Maj. General, Muhammad Khalid; Police Commissioner, Mr. Gautam Sawang; Officer-In-Charge of Mission Support, Mr. Vincent Smith; Superintendant of Grand Gedeh County Christopher Bailey, and other Senior UNMIL Military and Civilian officials.