AMMAN (JT) - UN Envoy Ellen Margrethe Løj has presented UN peacekeeping medals to 115 Jordanian army medical staff serving with the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) for their contribution to the peace and stability of the country.
Løj, the special representative of the secretary general (SRSG), commended the Jordanian medical contingent for their efforts, dedication and sacrifice aimed at ensuring that UNMIL peacekeepers are fit to support and maintain the hard-won peace and security in Liberia, according to a UNMIL statement sent to The Jordan Times.
"Although the nature of the Jordanian medical team entails operating behind the scenes and out of the limelight, we cannot overemphasise the critical and indispensable role you continue to play to support UNMIL," she said, describing their role as critical and indispensable.
The UN envoy paid tribute to the Kingdom on behalf of the UN secretary general and recounted the long-standing and substantial contributions made by Jordan to UN peacekeeping operations, the statement said.
"Col. Abduljaleel Al Shawabkah, the commander of the Jordanian contingent, said Jordan's contribution to peacekeeping missions is a direct implementation of the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah, who has, time after time and in every international forum, emphasised the principles of world peace and the right of welfare as a basic right for all nations," according to the UNMIL statement.
The 115 officers of the Jordanian medical team honoured are based at UNMIL Level III Hospital located in Monrovia and provide around-the-clock medical treatment and services to military and civilian peacekeepers in UNMIL.
To date, there are a total of 370 Jordanians serving in UNMIL: 115 medical staff, 240 formed police unit officers and 15 military observers and staff officers.
Since 1989, Jordan has contributed peacekeepers to 25 missions in different countries, the statement noted.
During the award ceremony in Monrovia last Friday, Løj assured Liberians that UNMIL and other partners in the UN system would continue to work harder to enable Liberia to regain its place in the community of nations - a place where peace, security, freedom and prosperity reign.
The SRSG noted the progress made and the challenges that remain.
"We have to continue to work with the Liberian security forces to ensure that they are strengthened to deal with both internal and external security threats," she said.
Løj expressed confidence that with perseverance and determination, "the peace and stability we have achieved over the years will be sustained, and Liberia can move ahead in its recovery, rehabilitation and development drive".
Deputy SRSG for the Rule of Law Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, UNMIL Force Commander Lt. Gen. ATM Zahirul Alam, Director of Mission Support Stephen Lieberman, Deputy Force Commander Maj. Gen. Carl Modey, Military Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Paul Boroh, and other UNMIL senior military offers attended the award ceremony.
© Jordan Times 2009
