Thank you, Mr/Madam Chairperson, To begin with, I would like to concur with the remarks of Mr. Tom Kitt, who spoke earlier on behalf of the European Union, and of Hans Dahlgren, Special Representative of the Presidency of the European Union for the Mano River Union countries.
Mr/Madam Chairperson, Today the hope of lasting peace and development in Liberia is vibrant.This gives us a responsibility. It is difficult; it places demands on all of us.
By the exemplary combined efforts of Liberians, ECOWAS, the UN, the European Union, the international financial institutions and the co-host the United States a real break has been made with the past. Our focus now is on a decisive way forward.
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Mr/Madam Chairperson, First, the primary responsibility lies with the Liberians themselves:
- The Transitional Government of Liberia must act collectively and jointly to ensure transparency and national ownership.
- The Liberian parties must work constructively together, and in collaboration with the international community, to achieve long-term peace and development.
- The willingness of the international community to support the reconstruction efforts will depend on the full implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.
Second, Liberia puts the international community to the test. The reconstruction plan and the multifunctional UN mission represent a unique opportunity to prove the power of Member States' commitment to effective teamwork and multi-lateralism.
Although we take on different roles, we must keep in mind that we - the UN - are one family. The impressive work with the Results Focused Transitional Framework paves the way for coherent action.
The modern and multifunctional mandate of UNMIL must be implemented on full-scale. UNMIL forces must be rapidly deployed across Liberia in order to promote security and prepare the ground for reconstruction work as well as humanitarian action. Humanitarian access to the entire country is a top priority.
Third, the region of West Africa has played a crucial role in bringing peace to Liberia. I would like to pay tribute to ECOWAS, under the Chairmanship of President Kufuor of Ghana, for the efforts that resulted in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. ECOWAS and its Member States, in particular Liberia's neighbours, will remain key partners in consolidating the gains. ECOWAS can count on our continued support. I urge all regional parties to find peaceful solutions for still ongoing conflicts in the region. * * *
We, the Member States of the UN, are duty-bound to assist. Timely and sustainable financial support for the reconstruction plan is crucial. We need to give attention to the broad scope of reconstruction needs, so as to make sure that all necessary dimensions of the reconstruction plan are covered.
I see four specific areas that must not be overlooked:
- Rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-combatants. Thousands of ex-combatants, many of them children, remain excluded from society and pose a potential threat to long-term stability and development.
- Judicial reform and the building of democratic institutions. Restoring the rule of law, including addressing past violations of human rights and breaches of international humanitarian law, and the reform of judicial institutions are preconditions for a society built on human rights.
- Empowerment of women. It is time to make a genuine effort to give women a key role in peace building, reconciliation and reconstruction.
- Meeting the humanitarian needs. While reconstruction efforts will need to start at once, basic needs must at the same time be met and people must be able to return to their communities.
Mr/Madam Chairperson,
Sweden will respond to the needs of the Liberian people with a set of contributions, ranging from immediate security needs to long-term development efforts. Our total contribution amounts to 45 million Euro (8.5 mEuro excluding troops) for the coming two years.
The Swedish contribution is directed to humanitarian needs through the CAP, the UNHCR and NGOs, as well as to the reconstruction needs presented in the RFTF.
Moreover, to meet the security needs in Liberia, Sweden intends to contribute a mechanised rifle company of 240 troops to UNMIL, expected to arrive in a few weeks. We intend to make a second contribution to the DDRR programme, when it is operating in full-scale again.
I now urge everyone to take on the challenge of linking relief and security to reconstruction and development as efficiently as possible, to work in a co-ordinated manner.
We are all aware of the risks - if our joint efforts to build a new Liberia fail.
We all share the understanding that this is a moment of opportunity. An opportunity for the National Transitional Government to shoulder its responsibility. An opportunity for all friends of Liberia and of international co-operation, and for the UN.
We, the United Nations can to make a decisive contribution.
We have the tools. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the updated UN mandate, the robust UNMIL force and the reconstruction plan.
Now it is a matter of making the turnaround happen - out of responsibility and of solidarity.
Thank you.