The medal-awarding ceremony for the Chinese Peacekeeping Contingent to Liberia was held on last Tuesday, March 25, 2008 in Monrovia. H.E. Ellen Løj, Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) to United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) presented medals to the Chinese peacekeepers and inspected their medal parade and military skills demonstration.

 

 

In her remarks, the UN Envoy in Liberia praised highly of the performance of the Chinese peacekeepers. The Level 2 Hospital of the Contingent, she said, besides successfully carrying out the medical service to UNMIL personnel, has provided medical reach-out to the local civilians and offered personnel training and medical support to local health institutions. The Engineering Company repaired the main road from Zwedru to Fish Town, the only access to Southeastern Liberia while maintaining other roads, bridges, airfields and helipads. The Transport Company has transported fuel, water and other important materials to UNMIL units all over Liberia, and at the same time, provided transportation for the reconstruction of Liberia. She congratulated the Chinese peacekeepers for successfully fulfilling their mission and believed that the Liberian people will remember them for ever for what they have done to restore peace and prosperity in Liberia.

 

 

Earlier, Lt. Col. Zheng Jianqing, Commander of the Chinese Contingent, briefed on the performance of the Contingent. The Chinese peacekeepers will live up to the expectations of the Chinese people and continue to safeguard world peace and promote Sino-Liberian friendship, pledged the commander.

 

 

The ceremony was well attended by dignitaries including H.E. Zhou Yuxiao, Chinese Ambassador and top UNMIL officials such as Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Deputy SRSG, Lt. Gen. Chikadibia Obiakor, Force Commander, Stephen L. Lieberman, Director of Administration and sector commanders.