The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Ellen Margrethe Løj, on Thursday December 8, awarded peacekeeping medals to 350 Jordanian Contingent III and the members of the Jordanian Formed Police Unit for their continued support to peace and development in Liberia. At the ceremony in Monrovia, the UN Envoy thanked the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan for strengthening its presence in peacekeeping operations worldwide and particularly highlighted Jordan's contribution to promoting peace in the region through its strong commitment to intermission cooperation.

"Liberia has recently concluded its national elections. This was indeed a major landmark in the history of Liberia, yet there is still much work that needs to be done. Our mandate requires us to assist the Liberian authorities in taking increasing ownership of security in the country. This task will be a major part of our work in the coming months" said the SRSG as she encouraged the peacekeepers to stay the course stating "Let us capitalize on the last eight years of peace and assist Liberia with moving forward towards sustainable peace and development, for the people and the generations to come."

The UN Envoy extended her special thanks to the 90 officers and 10 support staff from FPU 1 and FPU 2 who were deployed to Côte d'Ivoire last week to reinforce the Ivorian legislative election this month, and commended the Jordanian FPU assigned in Côte d'Ivoire who came to support and respond to possible contingencies during Liberia's recent elections. "This not only enhanced security in Liberia as well as Côte d'Ivoire during this crucial electoral period, but also solidified our intermission cooperation." said the UN Envoy.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General thanked the Jordanian medical unit, known as JORMED for its high standard of medical services and exemplary performance of its medical staff.  She further noted that the UN also recognizes their achievements outside the mandated activities and responsibilities. "Liberians will remember your humanitarian activities, in providing free medical outreach services, food and school items distributed to their children at various times. These activities are a testament to your thoughtfulness and dedication to help those in need."