Impoverished Liberia has made progress this year in rebuilding since its new President took power in January, the top United Nations envoy to the country said today, describing a feeling of “cautious optimism” after 14 years of civil war, but he also emphasized the importance of security and the need to press on with recovery efforts, writes UN News Centre, Monday.
Alan Doss, Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s Special Representative, made his remarks after briefing the Security Council on Mr. Annan’s latest report which acknowledges “tangible progress” in areas such as Government reform and the fight against corruption but also recommends that the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) be extended for another year until 30 September 2007.
– Progress has been possible but at the same time we do underline that the situation remains fragile… so we will continue to emphasize the security dimension, the importance of dealing with potential problems in the security area, remaining alert and responsive and being willing to deal robustly if threats emerge either within the country or externally, Mr. Doss told reporters in New York.
UNMIL was established in 2003 to support the implementation of a ceasefire and a peace process in Liberia and as of the start of this month had over 14,800 military and police personnel in the country. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first woman elected to lead an African nation, was inaugurated as Liberia’s President on 16 January.
Kilde: www.un.org
