Acting UN Envoy calls for continued zeal and professionalism as UNMIL proceeds with its transition

24 Oct 2012

Acting UN Envoy calls for continued zeal and professionalism as UNMIL proceeds with its transition

Monrovia, Liberia - “As we re-double our efforts in re-enforcing the capacity of Liberian security agencies; I count on your continued professionalism and zeal as UNMIL proceeds with the transition planning. Liberia’s stability will remain UNMIL’s top priority while we work with the Government and partners to map a critical path towards a complete transition.”

 

These remarks were made by the Acting Head of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Mr. Louis M. Aucoin on Monday October 22, 2012 when he honored more than 1,500 Nigerian peacekeepers, including 92 women, with UN medals for their contribution to UNMIL and peace in Liberia.

 

Mr. Aucoin hailed Nigeria’s outstanding contribution to international peacekeeping, describing the country as a committed ally of the UN’s efforts to bring peace and security to the world. Turning to the Nigerian peacekeepers, deployed in Bomi, Gbopolu and Grand Cape Mount counties, the Acting UN envoy commended them for serving diligently in their area of operations. Mr. Aucoin also lauded those assigned in Margibi and Montserrado counties for providing escort duties, conducting joint patrols with the Liberia National Police and UNMIL Formed Police Units, and for guarding government and UNMIL establishments.

 

The Acting SRSG also extended his thanks and appreciation to the Nigerian peacekeepers for going beyond the call of duty in assisting the people of Liberia, cataloguing several of their interventions aimed at improving the living conditions of Liberians. He particularly praised them for their continued effort to fill the educational gap by taking part in teaching activities in Monrovia and in other counties.

 

Dignitaries present at the ceremony included UNMIL Force Commander Major-Gen. Muhammad Khalid; the Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia Mrs. Chigozie Felicia Obi- Nnadozie, the representative of the Chief of Army Staff of the Nigerian Army, Major General Emmanuel Bassey, UNMIL Deputy Force Commander, Brig. Gen. John Kwasie and UNMIL Force Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Hugh Van Roosen . The program was also attended by other UNMIL Senior military and civilian staff.