[UNMIL News] Monrovia, Liberia on 17 July 2009 – UN Envoy, Ms. Ellen Margrethe Løj has urged Liberians to ‘focus on the way forward’ and demonstrate to other countries that after emerging from conflict, it is possible to sustain peace and enjoy the prosperity that citizens deserve. She made these remarks on 16 July, 2009 at a ceremony recognizing the contribution of 558 Chinese peacekeepers to the UN Mission in Liberia.

“A lot has been accomplished along the journey, but there is still more ahead for the UN and its partners to do in support of Liberia’s peace, security and development”, she said; and added that UNMIL is committed to partnering with the government and civil society to preserve Liberia’s hard won peace.

Envoy Løj acknowledged China’s ‘strong and real partnership’ in Liberia’s development as seen in significant contributions, such as the rehabilitation of roads in and around Monrovia. “Liberians can attest to the hard work and dedicated service that the Chinese people make daily, and systematically, to the country’s development,” she said.

• “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,”* said Ms. Løj, quoting Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu, and applauded the Contingent for embarking on a journey that has seen significant contributions, such as in the development of Liberia’s infrastructure.

“We applaud you for conducting yourselves tirelessly and diligently – often in difficult circumstances,” she said, and noted that in the last 8 months the Contingent’s three components – engineering, transportation and medical have repaired and maintained main and secondary roads, bridges, culverts and airstrips around the country; travelled 750,000 kilometres delivering 300,000 tonnes of cargo, water and fuel and extended vital healthcare services to Liberian local communities.

Ms. Løj paid a special tribute to the Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Fu Jinlu for embodying philosopher Lao Tzu’s attitude of “courage that comes from caring” and for inspiring the men and women under his command to conduct themselves with professionalism.

She further evoked Confucius’ notion of collectivism and harmonious relations in society as key elements that should mark the behaviour and conduct of both uniformed and civilian peacekeepers in daily operations.

China ranks as the 12th largest contributor to UN peacekeeping, with more than 3,000 military personnel, serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo, East Timor, Haiti, Kosovo and Lebanon.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Special Representative, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu; Force Commander, Lt.-Gen ATM Zahirul Alam; Stephani Scheer, Officer-in-Charge, Mission Support; Counsellor Haodong Gou, Senior Col. Shengli Liu from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China; Chinese Contingent Commander, Lt.Col. Jinlu Fu; and other senior Military Officials.