Monrovia, Liberia – “The responsibility of UN Police officers in consolidating peace in Liberia is very critical to the success of UNMIL’s mandate,” said UNMIL Force Commander, Lieutenant General Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor last weekend when he awarded UN peacekeeping medals to 1 Macedonian and 120 Jordanian police officers.

Addressing the UN Police (UNPOL) officers, the Force Commander emphasized that “consolidating the peace in Liberia is a challenging task faced by peacekeepers”. He therefore urged them to work to win the respect and trust of the Liberian people.

Lt. Gen. Obiakor expressed UNMIL’s appreciation to the UNPOL officers for their contribution to peacekeeping efforts in Liberia, adding that, “Jordan and The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia have demonstrated their commitment to international peace and security. You have done well in assisting, supporting and training the Liberia National Police (LNP).” The officers have also dealt with different types of crimes, and conducted anti-riot operations and joint patrols along with the LNP, UNMIL Military and fellow UNPOL officers.  

“Your work and special skills have contributed significantly in helping Liberia with its recovery, reconstruction and development,” Lt. Gen. Obiakor said.

The medal awards ceremony was attended by UNPOL Officer-in-Charge, Mr. Generaal Maritz Du Toit and other senior UN Police officers.  

Jordan has been contributing personnel to UN peacekeeping since 1992, while The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia started its contribution in 2006 with the deployment of a one-woman Police contingent to Liberia, who was awarded a peacekeeping medal. She is the only Macedonian peacekeeper in the world.

 

Published in: UNMIL Force Commander Says UN Police Officers critical to Consolidation of Peace in Liberia, Press Release, UNMIL, May 21, 2007.