UN Envoy urges Liberians to take responsibility for success of their democracy, as she awards UN medals to Philippine peacekeepers

 

 

 

 

UN Envoy urges Liberians to take responsibility for success of their democracy, as she awards UN medals to Philippine peacekeepers

 

 

MONROVIA, Liberia, July 9, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ — UN Envoy Ellen Margrethe Løj has paid tribute to Philippine peacekeepers serving the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) for their hard work and dedication to the maintenance of peace and stability in Liberia. She made this commendation when she awarded UN peacekeeping medals to 115 Philippine peacekeepers at a colorful ceremony in Monrovia.

 

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) extolled the Government of the Philippines for its continued support to peace and security throughout the world, and specifically for contributing troops to serve with UNMIL. “The commitment of the Philippines to peace operations has been amply demonstrated,” SRSG Løj said, adding that, “since sending its Expeditionary Forces to Korea in 1950, the country has continued to serve the cause of peace, security and justice in other complex environments, such as Côte d’Ivoire, East Timor, Haiti and Sudan, and sometimes with painful costs.”

 

Giving recognition to Contingent Commander, Lt. Col. Royland M. Orquia, for his exemplary leadership and inspiration to his contingent, the SRSG commended him for not only leading those under his command with professionalism, “but also for inspiring them to serve with dedication and responsibility.”

 

Although progress has been made in helping Liberians move forward on consolidating the peace, Ms. Løj pointed to numerous challenges that still lie ahead, particularly in the security sector. “We are working hard with our partners in the UN system to address those challenges,” she stated. The UN Envoy also reiterated the determination of the UN, together with national and international partners, to do their utmost to ensure the conduct of successful elections for the good of the Liberian people.

 

“However, our efforts will be fruitless without the determination and dedicated efforts of the Liberian Government and people to assume full responsibility for their future,” the SRSG cautioned, emphasizing further that the time has come for Liberians to assume responsibility for the success of their democracy. She cited the passage of the Threshold Bill, essential for expediting the preparations for the 2011 elections.

 

Quoting a famous Filipino historian and patriot, Efipanio de los Santos: “Today’s events are tomorrow’s history…Writing history is writing the soul of the past….so that the present generations may learn from past mistakes, be inspired by their ancestors’ sacrifices, and take responsibility for the future,” Ms. Løj challenged Liberians to write a history that will inspire future generations to develop a sense of responsibility for their country, and to build a nation whose path is one of democracy and justice for all.

 

Attending the ceremony were the Deputy Secretary-General for the Rule of Law, Ms. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu; Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Recovery and Governance, Mr. Moustapha Soumaré; Acting Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Carl Modey; Director of Mission Support, Mr. Hubert Price; Military Chief of Staff, Brig.-Gen. Raphael Isa; and other senior military officials.

SOURCE 

Mission of UN in Liberia