United Nations Envoy Ellen Margrethe Løj awarded UN peacekeeping medals to 115 Filipino peacekeepers serving the UN Mission in Liberia (Unmil).
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) extolled the Philippine government for its continued support to peace and security throughout the world, and specifically for contributing troops to serve with Unmil.
Filipino contingent serving the UN Mission in Liberia (Unmil). Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21013350@N03/
“The commitment of the Philippines to peace operations has been amply demonstrated since sending its Expeditionary Forces to Korea in 1950, the country has continued to serve the cause of peace, security, and justice in other complex environments, such as Côte d’Ivoire, East Timor, Haiti, and Sudan, and sometimes with painful costs,” Løj said.
Giving recognition to contingent commander Lieutenant Colonel Royland M. Orquia for his exemplary leadership and inspiration to his contingent, the SRSG commended him for not only leading those under his command with professionalism, “but also for inspiring them to serve with dedication and responsibility.”
Although progress has been made in helping Liberians move forward on consolidating the peace, Ms. Løj pointed to numerous challenges that still lie ahead, particularly in the security sector.
The UN envoy also reiterated the determination of the UN, together with national and international partners, to do their utmost to ensure the conduct of successful elections for the good of the Liberian people.
“However, our efforts will be fruitless without the determination and dedicated efforts of the Liberian government and people to assume full responsibility for their future,” the SRSG cautioned, emphasizing further that the time has come for Liberians to assume responsibility for the success of their democracy. She cited the passage of the Threshold Bill, essential for expediting the preparations for the 2011 elections.
Quoting a famous Filipino historian and patriot, Efipanio de los Santos: “Today’s events are tomorrow’s history…Writing history is writing the soul of the past….so that the present generations may learn from past mistakes, be inspired by their ancestors’ sacrifices, and take responsibility for the future,” Ms. Løj said, challenging Liberians to write a history that will inspire future generations to develop a sense of responsibility for their country, and to build a nation whose path is one of democracy and justice for all.
Attending the ceremony were the Deputy Secretary General for the Rule of Law, Ms. Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu; Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General for Recovery and Governance, Mr. Moustapha Soumaré; Acting Force Commander, Major General Carl Modey; Director of Mission Support, Mr. Hubert Price; Military Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Raphael Isa; and other senior military officials.
Source: Inquirer.net
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