UN Envoy calls on all Liberians not to resort to violence and to peacefully accept elections results
MONROVIA, Liberia, September 29, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) and Coordinator of United Nations Operations in Liberia, Ellen Margarethe Løj, has urged Liberians to demonstrate to themselves and the world that Liberia is ready to build on the last eight years of unbroken peace.
“The peaceful conduct of the referendum gives us confidence. However, I would like, once again, to call upon all Liberian stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and to continuously move the country forward in a peaceful direction” said the SRSG, “Therefore, I call on all political leaders not to incite violence. I call on all Liberians not to resort to violence. And I call on all Liberians, political candidates as well as supporters to peacefully accept the election results”
The UN Envoy was speaking at a medal parade ceremony on September 28 where she honored 17 Pakistani Police Officers with UN medals for their contribution to peace in Liberia. The SRSG lauded the Government of Pakistan for its contribution in peacekeeping operations, and the Police officers for being actively involved as police advisers and mentors to members of the Liberian National Police, both in its operations and in its personnel competencies.
SRSG Løj further commended the Police Officers for undertaking the wide range of tasks assigned to UN Police, with representation in almost all of the UNPOL components. “Some of you are assigned in Monrovia to assist the LNP in the development of community policing; others are involved in investigations and making sure the LNP are able to provide professional services to crime victims.”
The SRSG also however noted that UNMIL and other partners should remain dedicated to support Liberian security agencies throughout this electoral period and beyond. “I call upon all components of the Mission to stay vigilant and protect the peace, by doing our part to create an environment that is conducive to free, fair and peaceful elections”, the UN Envoy stressed.
The medal award ceremony was attended by Force Commander, Major – General, Muhammad Khalid; Police Commissioner, Mr. Gautam Sawang; Deputy Police Commissioner, Mr. John Nielsen and other UNMIL Senior Military, Police and Civilian Officials.
SOURCE
United Nations Operations in Liberia
