Outgoing UN Envoy commends Chinese peacekeepers for supporting Liberia’s peace process

13 Jan 2012

Outgoing UN Envoy commends Chinese peacekeepers for supporting Liberia’s peace process

 The outgoing Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Coordinator of United Nations Operations in Liberia, Ellen Margrethe Løj commended 558 Chinese peacekeepers for their commitment in maintaining peace in Liberia and their dedication to UNMIL.

 

The SRSG made these remarks at the Chinese Transport Company Compound in Monrovia on January 12, 2012 where she awarded UN peacekeeping medals to the Chinese Contingent.

"This is a very special occasion for me personally as this event marks my last medal parade after four very rewarding years of service in UNMIL", said the UN Envoy in her remarks.

The SRSG thanked the Transport Company of the Chinese Contingent for tirelessly delivering fuel, drinking water, office furniture, and construction materials to support UNMIL personnel deployed in Liberia's remotest corners. "Without your very practical work on the ground, the mission would not have been able to deliver vital support to the establishment of peace in Liberia. " said Madam Løj.

"I would like to recognise and applaud the crucial role you played in supporting Liberia's landmark 2011 elections", said the SRSG applauding the Chinese Engineering Company, "Your 62-day emergency road repair programme in preparation for the elections made it safer and easier for many Liberians to go to the polls in what was a milestone first nationally run election. These repairs were indeed a remarkable and unique contribution to the democratic process."

While addressing the Chinese Medical Company staff receiving the UN medals the SRSG said that she was particularly pleased to recognise the leadership of the female Chief Medical Officer of Chinese Level II Hospital along with her fifteen female colleagues serving as doctors, nurses and liaison officers. "I urge troop contributing countries to continue to deploy women peacekeepers and hope these numbers will increase in the future. This serves as an example to Liberians and the rest of the world of the professionalism and dedication of women when given the chance."