Monrovia - 105 members of the Ukrainian Contingent were today awarded with the United Nations Peacekeeping Medals in recognition of their contribution to peace and stability in Liberia.

In a speech read by the Deputy Special Representative for Peace Consolidation, Yacoub El Hillo, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Farid Zarif lauded the Ukrainian troops for deploying troops and equipment to transport personnel and guests, and provide air escort and support to the Force.  “We have always taken off and landed safely, thanks to your outstanding technical skills, dedication and thoroughness,” said SRSG Zarif at the medal award ceremony at the Ukrainian Aviation Unit base, RIA, Monrovia.

Further, the SRSG commended the team of pilots, mechanics, flight specialists and support personnel of the Unit for their commitment, professionalism and invaluable contribution to the Mission and to the people of Liberia since 2004. He said that the dedicated service of Ukrainian Peacekeepers brings pride to their country, and demonstrates the ideals of the United Nations in helping countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.

Also at the ceremony were the Force Commander Major General Salihu Zaway Uba, Director of Mission Support, David Penklis, Police Commissioner, Simon Blatchy and Deputy Force Commander, Brig. Gen. Atef Abdelraouf Mahmoud Attia.

The Security Council at its 7851st  meeting on 23 December 2016, adopted Resolution 2333 (2016) extending the mandate of UNMIL until 30 March 2018, and requests the Secretary-General to complete the withdrawal of all non-liquidation personnel, both uniformed and civilian, by 30 April 2018.