Monrovia, Liberia, Jan. 25, 2010-The Chinese Embassy in Liberia Tuesday donated 20 motorbikes to the Liberia Refugees Repatriation and Resettlement Commission(LRRRC) to beef off its motoring activities in towns and villages in Nimba County, where hundreds of Ivorian refugees are currently seeking refuge.

 

Chinese Ambassador to Liberia, ZHOU Yuxiao, during the presentation program in Sinkor, said the donation of the motorbikes is in response to the compelling needs of the LRRRC to cater to the wellbeing of fleeing Ivorian refugees into the country due to post-election violence in Ivory Coast.

Ambassador ZHOU said the Chinese Government as a major development partner to the Liberia Government is concerned about the security of citizens coming from neighboring country and would work along with relevant institutions, especially the LRRRC to ensure the safety of the refugees.

He indicated that although other international partners including the UNHCR, as well as the World Food Program are doing their part in the Ivorian refugee situation, the Chinese Government believes that the situation needs collective input.

Ambassador ZHOU said the influx of Ivorian refugees in Liberia is a serious concern and must claim the attention of all international partners.

The Chinese envoy observed that due to the inaccessibility of roads leading to towns and villages hosting the refugees, the motorbikes would be used by the LRRRC to enhance its motoring activities.

“China is very concerned about the refugee situation in neighboring Ivory Coast and we are very sorry to see this and as a true partner to Liberia, we want to see peace and stability in Liberia and in the West Africa sub-region as a whole,” Ambassador ZHOU indicated.

Ambassador ZHOU said China remains a true partner in the postwar peace and development process of Liberia and is ready at all times to assist wherever necessary in the interest of the peace and stability for the citizens.

Receiving the motorcycles, LRRRC Executive Director, Cllr. Wheatonia Y. Dixon-Barnes, thanked the Chinese Embassy for the gesture, describing it as timely and a relief.

Madam Dixon-Barnes also assured Ambassador ZHOU that the motorbikes will be used to properly monitor the daily activities of the refugees as intended.