President Johnson Sirleaf Appeals for UNMIL Mandate Extension

Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt - President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has asked the United Nations to reconsider its timetable for the withdrawal of peacekeeping troops in Liberia.

The President spoke today in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where she held talks with Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations. The talks were held at the International Congress Center, venue of the ongoing 13th Ordinary Session for the Heads of States and Governments of the African Union (AU).

The Liberian leader emphasized that violent crime still persists in Liberia and appealed for assistance for security reform. She stressed that the U.N. can do more to strengthen the Liberia National Police (LNP) force and asked for cooperation from the international body in this initiative. The President further added that Liberia is building ‘a strong army’ and expressed the optimism that this will be strengthened in the near future. President Johnson Sirleaf pledged her Government’s renewed commitment to working with Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Ellen Loj, and the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

For her part, Madam Mugiro pledged the United Nations’ commitment to revamping many of Liberia’s troubled sectors, including security. She further promised to bring the security issue in Liberia to the attention of the United Nations family.

The 13th Ordinary African Union Summit began today with an elaborate opening ceremony. Official remarks were delivered by AU Commission Chairperson, Jean Ping; AU Chairman, President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania; Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbass; Deputy United Nations Secretary-General, Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro; and Arab League Secretary- General Amir Moussa.