(MONROVIA-April 22, 2008): United Nations Secretary-general, Ban Ki Moon, on an official visit to Liberia, has assured the country that the UN’s drawn down plan will proceed in a cautious and gradual manner, to ensure that the gains made in consolidating peace are not put at risk.  A gradual withdrawal, the UN Secretary-general said, should allow the government sufficient time to assume full responsibility for national security.  Addressing a news conference at the end of a two-day visit to Liberia, the Mr. Ban observed that despite the considerable progress, Liberia still faces significant reconstruction and development challenges, but noted that government is working hard in partnership with the international community to tackle the challenges.  The International community, Mr. Ban said, has been generous, calling on the world community to continue to support Liberia’s recovery. 

The UN Chief warned against squandering of funds provided by the international community for Liberia’s reconstruction. He urged Liberians to fight corruption in all forms and pursue peace for the growth and development of the country.  

According to an Executive Mansion release, the Secretary-general expressed concern over what he referred to as the persistent scourge of rape among the population as well as sexual abuse and exploitation by UN personnel.  He said the UN will continue to take stern measures to curb such acts, which contravene all that the World Body stands for.  The UN’s most senior diplomat also expressed regrets that rape continues to be the most commonly committed crime in Liberia. He called on community and government leaders as well as traditional chiefs, elders and prominent Liberians to take the lead in combating the scourge of rape and other acts of sexual and gender based violence.  

The UN Secretary-general, who arrived in the country Monday for a two-day visit, earlier addressed a Joint Session of the 52^nd session of the National Legislature. In his address, Mr. Ban, accompanied by his wife, spoke of the rising food prices around the world and challenged Liberians to take advantage of the country’s abundant agricultural resources by demonstrating to the world that the country has the capability to not only meet its own needs, but also to export food  to the region. “I challenge you to reduce poverty and create jobs in Liberia by developing your agricultural sector,” he emphasized. The SG’s address was preceded by a meeting with Vice President, Dr. Joseph Boakai, who lauded the role the United Nations continues to play in consolidating peace in Liberia. 

The Secretary-general, who was later briefed by members of the Cabinet during a session at the Foreign Ministry, lauded the government of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for the remarkable progress taking place in the country.  Mr. Ban recalled that as a former South Korean diplomat it has long been his wish to visit Liberia. He expressed gratitude for the reception accorded him, and assured the Cabinet of the UN’s continued support toward the development programs of the country. The UN Secretary-general praised the spirit of team work exiting among all branches of government, despite the initial difficulties. 

He said it was important that government continues to implement sound policies toward transparency in the management of state revenue. The UN chief also lauded the government for embracing the GEMAP program, and urge government to take advantage of the program by building the capacity of Liberians to effectively take over the management of the country’s resources. 

On armed robbery, the UN boss said the mission will continue to work with government to build the capacity of the police and the military to tackle the security situation in the country.  The UN Secretary-general acknowledged the high expectations, inspite of the limited capacity, but noted that much can be achieved with the proper coordination of programs. 

Secretary-general and Mrs. Ban were later honored at a gowning ceremony which took place at the C.C.Dennis Auditorium of the Foreign Ministry.  The ceremony, spearheaded by traditional chiefs and elders, led by the Chairman of the traditional Council Chief Zanza Kawa, was witnessed by members of the Cabinet as well as the Speaker Alex Tyler and other senior members of government, including Vice President Joseph Boakai and the Acting head of the Cabinet, Mr. Ambulai Johnson and members of diplomatic missions accredited near Monrovia. 

The UN Secretary-general has now left Liberia for Burkina Faso on the next stage of a tour of a number of West African countries, which will also take him to La Cote d’Ivoire.  The UN Secretary-general has been attending the 12 United Nations conference on Trade and Development held in Accra, Ghana. 

The visit to Liberia by Mr. Ban is the first by the United Nations Secretary-general since he assumed office last year, succeeding Dr. Kofi Annan of Ghana.

Source: Executive Mansion - Monrovia
All Photos by Executive mansion

UN secretary General in Liberia's cabinet meeting during recent visit

UN Secretary General addressing a news conference in Monrovia on Wednesday

UN Sec. General being gowned by traditional elders of Liberia during visit
ALL Photos by Executive Mansion