The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) is working with the Liberian Government to implement the second phase of the security transition, which will mark the departure of the PAKBATT 19 contingent in UNIMIL.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and Coordinator of the UN Operations  in Liberia, Madam  Karin Landgren,  said the PAKBATT 19 Contingent is departing after serving diligently in Maryland, Grand Gedeh and River Gee Counties for the past ten years.

While in those counties, they worked along with their Liberian counterparts to maintain peace and stability in the areas.

She said in June 2013 UNMIL successfully concluded the first phase of transition of security responsibilities to the Government of Liberia.

According to the Liberia News Agency, Madam Landgren made the disclosure on Friday January 17 at a Medal Parade for the Pakistani Contingent 10 (PAKCON 10) at Camp Clara around Hotel Africa.

She thanked the Pakistani peacekeepers for their contributions to peace and stability in Liberia over the past decade.

The UNMIL official encouraged the Liberian Government, civil society, and all national bodies to continue to strengthen their contribution to preserving Liberia’s hard won peace, noting that every Liberian has a role to play by respecting the law and becoming engaged in civic duties.

Performing the medal presentation, Madam Landgren expressed delight, on behalf of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, to award the Pakistani Contingent the UN Peacekeeping Medals.

She recalled that since the deployment of Pakistan troops in Liberia in 2003, they have established themselves as a strong, reliable and dedicated partner in Liberia’s quest for peace, stability and development.

“Today we are honoring the 1,977 personnel of the Pakistani Contingent who arrived in Liberia in February 2013 and have served diligently and selflessly in Bong, Maryland, Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Nimba and Montserrado counties. PAKCON 10 has indeed demonstrated its devotion to duty,” she said.

Source: Liberia News Agency (LINA)