UN mission in Liberia confirms mandate extension

The UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia has confirmed the extension of its mandate by one year after the world body unanimously adopted a resolution early in the week on the issue.

Ellen Margrethe Loj, the special representative of the United Nations secretary central and head of the mission to Liberia, told reporters at the mission headquarters in Monrovia on Wednesday that the UN mission in Liberia will last till Sept. 30, 2010 under the resolution adopted Tuesday by the UN Security Council.

The resolution underscored the mission's continuous support for the peace process in Liberia, she noted.

According to a copy of the resolution circulated to journalists at the mission's headquarters, the United Nations Security Council endorsed the secretary general's recommendations that the mission, known as UNMIL, should continue in the West African country, with a gradual and phased drawdown to ensure that it effectively carries out its security responsibilities.

The resolution said in this regard, the council agreed to the reduction of 2,029 troops leaving the overall military strength of the mission at 8,202.

The resolution also agreed to maintain the current police (UN Civilian Police) levels of the mission at 1,421.

Loj told reporters that the Security Council has directed the mission to assist the post-war nation conduct Liberia's 2011 general and presidential elections, which many see as a test in sustaining the peace and stability of Liberia after the civil war ended in 2003.

She said the council wants the mission to provide logistical support; coordinating international electoral assistance and supporting Liberian institutions and political parties.

Meanwhile, the Security Council has directed the Liberian government in coordination with the UNMIL, the UN support team in the country and international partners to redouble their efforts to develop national security and rule of law institutions that are independently operational.

The council welcomes the close cooperation between the missions in Liberia and its neighbor Cote d'Ivoire and their work with other neighboring governments to ensure security along their common borders.