The Inspector General of the Liberia National Police (LNP), Clarence Massaquoi, recently awarded former UNPOL Deputy Operations Coordinator Duygu Uzundurukan a certificate of appreciation in recognition of his valuable contributions and outstanding services to the LNP.  Uzundurukan, a Turkish national,  served in UNMIL from February 2010 to March 2013. The ceremony was attended by the LNP top command, UNPOL Deputy Commissioner, UNPOL and LNP officers, civilian staff and members of the Turkish contingent.

Massaquoi said that even though he had known Uzundurukan for a short time he realized that he was a fine police officer and a true professional representative of the Turkish Police in Liberia. He also remembered an occasion when the LNP was invited to Turkey and Uzundurukan was influential in the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Turkish and Liberian Police forces.

Presenting a gown as a token of appreciation, LNP’s Deputy Inspector General for Administration Rose Stryker said that the gift should stay as an African memoir that will always strike in his mind for his entire life and remind him of the sacrificial service of leaving his family behind to see the transformation of LNP and Liberia at large.

UNPOL Commissioner John Nielsen also lauded Uzundurukan for his enthusiasm, commitment, diligence and professional competence while presenting a Letter of Commendation.

During his stay in Liberia, Uzundurukan worked as the Montesserado Team Sites (MTS) Commander before moving to the post of the Deputy Operations Coordinator. He was instrumental in operational planning to deal with the Ivorian refugee crisis, Operation Restore Hope, and Safe Heaven. Uzundurukan left the mission after serving for 37 months.