The Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Coordinator of United Nations Operations in   Liberia Mr. Moustapha Soumaré says UNMIL is now on the path to embark the gradual handover of greater security responsibilities to Liberian authorities which he referred to as "a systematic process that requires time and preparation."

Speaking at a ceremony on 14 February 2012 in Monrovia during which he decorated 18 Turkish UNPOL Officers with the UN Peacekeeping Medals for their dedicated service to the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), the Mr. Soumaré stated that a Technical Assessment Mission would soon arrive in Liberia, as directed by the United Nations Security Council, to assess the situation in the country from all perspectives. "The Assessment Team will focus specifically on the progress made so far with respect to the Mission's strategic objectives to ensure a sustained state of security in Liberia.  This will include a thorough assessment of the capacity of national security institutions, and specifically their ability to operate effectively and independently of UNMIL."

The Acting SRSG further noted that the technical assessment team's mission is a customary event after a mission has gone through a specific phase. "This is not the first technical assessment mission to come to Liberia to evaluate the status of the Mission."  Mr. Soumaré noted that the specific recommendations to be made by the team are not known yet however, what is known is that "the United Nations is committed to Liberia and UNMIL will continue to work on the transition while the entire UN family will remain to "Deliver as One" for the Liberian people".

Extending his special thanks and appreciation to the Turkish UNPOL Contingent, Mr. Soumaré said the mission recognizes their tireless contributions in the key areas of UNMIL's security operations. 'As police advisers and mentors, you have been contributing to strengthening the LNP both in its professional operational activities and personnel competencies.  These contributions made to the Liberian National Police have greatly facilitated the security and development Liberia is enjoying today."

The visiting General Director of Turkish National Police on his part reiterated Turkey's commitment to UN peacekeeping. 'Turkey will continue to implement its principle 'Peace at Home, Peace in the World," he said and congratulated the Turkish UN Police Contingent for their contribution to the rebuilding and development process of the Liberian Police.

Among the dignitaries attending the medal-awarding ceremony were Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Rule of Law, Mr. Louis M. Aucoin; Force Commander, Maj. General Muhammad Khalid; Police Commissioner, Mr. Gautam Sawang; Director of Mission Support, Mr. Hubert Price and Liberia National Police Inspector General Chris Massaquoi  .