The Special Representative of the Secretary General and Coordinator of UN Operations in Liberia, Karin Landgren has once again lauded the country's progress towards sustainable peace, observing that the UNMIL could now focus on a gradual handover of security responsibilities to the host Government.

However, "this does not mean that UNMIL is leaving tomorrow," the SRSG stressed at a medal parade held on 10 October 2012 in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County for the 558-strong Chinese Contingent. "Liberia's security and stability remains our top priority. The Mission is working closely with the Liberian National Police, the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization, and other security agencies to ensure that they have sufficient capacity to assume full responsibility for Liberia's security.

On the occasion, SRSG Landgren praised the Chinese Engineer Company in Zwedru for helping with the development and maintenance of road infrastructure in southeastern Liberia. "This has demonstrated your dedication and commitment to tackle seemingly impossible tasks. The roads and bridges that you have repaired, have facilitated the travel of children to schools, the movement of goods by traders to markets, and provided access to services such as health centers ,police stations and court houses - all of which help in moving Liberia forward in its development."

She also acknowledged efforts by the Chinese Transport Company that ferries vital supplies to UNMIL components in the furthest reaches of the Mission.

These commendations were further extended to the Level II Hospital in Zwedru for providing medical services to ensure the health and welfare of peacekeepers and for reaching out to the local community with medical assistance.

The UN Envoy was accompanied by UNMIL Force Commander Major General Mohammed Khalid, UNMIL Force Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Hugh Van Roosen, and other senior UNMIL military and civilian personnel. The medal parade was also attended among others, by the Chief of Staff of AFL, Maj. Gen. Suraj Alao Abdurrahman, China's Ambassador to Liberia, Mr. Zhao Jianhua , and the Defense Attaché at the Chinese Embassy, Sr. Col. Zhao Xizhang.