The Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) and Coordinator of United Nations Operations in Liberia, Ellen Margrethe Løj, has reiterated the UN's commitment to work to bolster the capacity of Liberian security agencies.

SRSG Løj made these remarks at UNMIL Head quarters in Monrovia on Monday 19 December 2011 when she awarded UN peacekeeping medals to the mission's Military Observers (MILOBS) and Staff Officers for their commitment in maintaining peace in Liberia and their dedication to UNMIL.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General noted at the ceremony that one of the Mission's core benchmarks is the gradual handover of security responsibilities to Liberian authorities. Madam Løj stated that the Mission will re-double its efforts to re-enforce the capacity of Liberian security agencies and intimated that she was counting on staff officers for their continued professionalism and zeal as the Mission proceeds with transition planning.

"I would like to say that United Nations is here to work with you to make sure that Liberia continues on its path to peace consolidation. UNMIL will continue its work to bolster the capacity of Liberian security agencies. At the same time, we need your support and commitment to play your role in maintaining peace and security in Liberia," the top UN diplomat said to the Liberian people during the occasion.

While addressing the Military Observers (MILOBS) receiving their medals, the SRSG commended them and said that their observations and assessments have helped provide what she called real-time picture of the situation across Liberia, and along its borders.

"You are truly, and have been since the inception of UNMIL in 2003, the 'eyes and ears' of our Mission. Unarmed, you go into some of the most remote and sensitive areas of this country to gather information, to monitor and to report," Madam Ellen Margrethe Løj said.

"The tasks you accomplish enhance our military capabilities - in recent months, by 'feeling the pulse' of the country. Your work has helped us take the decisions necessary to assist Liberians in creating a secure environment for the conduct of the 2011 elections," the Special Representative of the Secretary-General asserted.

To the UNMIL Staff Officers present and receiving medals, the UN Envoy said, "I would also like to extend a sincere thank you for your work in planning and implementing UNMIL's inter-mission cooperation with our sister mission in Cote d'Ivoire. Also, for your work in coordinating with various components in UNMIL, and also with your UNOCI counterparts in keeping vigilance in the border counties," Madam Løj remarked to the honorees.

On UNMIL's successful support to the conduct of the recent Liberian elections, the SRSG intoned that UNMIL will embark on the next phase of its Mission, pointing to the pending visit of a UN Technical Assessment Mission in February to make recommendations in that direction.