UNSC 4/14/08 CONSULTATIONS ON LIBERIA: GUIDANCE

UNCLAS STATE 037244

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KPKO LI
SUBJECT: UNSC 4/14/08 CONSULTATIONS ON LIBERIA: GUIDANCE



1. (U) USUN may draw from the points from para 2 below during
consultations on Liberia scheduled for April 14.


2. (U) Begin points:

-- I would like to thank Ambassador Loj for her briefing, the
first time she has addressed the Council since she took up
her post in Monrovia in January. We welcome the
peacebuilding perspective she brings to the assignment, as
Liberia continues its steady progress from the conflict of a
few brief years ago.

-- As noted in the report, President Bush visited Monrovia in
February, underscoring the long-standing and close ties
between our two countries.

-- We note with great satisfaction the significant steps
forward that Liberia is taking to get its economic house in
order. The international financial institutions are
recognizing this substantial progress in capturing revenues
and rebuilding infrastructure. We recognize that there is
much more to be done. We encourage President Johnson Sirleaf
and the Liberian people to continue their fight against
corruption, which is a major obstacle in the path to economic
security.

-- The United States is proud to be one of Liberia's
principal partners in a wide range of programs to address
poverty, good governance and the security sector.

-- We underscore the importance of making steady but measured
progress in drawing down UNMIL's strength, ensuring that the
most vulnerable areas continue to be covered during the
draw-down. As noted in the most recent report of the
Secretary-General, that gradual reduction in strength is

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rightly being calibrated against Liberia's ability to provide
its own security.

-- We note that the security situation has improved, but
remains of considerable concern. Although the government,
with the able support of UNMIL, is making strides in
extending government services throughout the country, they
are still very sparse.

-- We welcome the continuing support from UNMIL troops and
police to the fledgling Liberian National Police. There have
been a number of disturbing episodes involving attacks on
police stations, and it is clear that there is much more work
to be done to help the LNP develop to the point where it has
the capacity to manage incidents on its own. We urge all
Liberians to refrain from such acts of mob violence, and
allow the police and judiciary to do their jobs.

-- The United States is fully engaged in helping Liberia
build its armed forces, and we are increasingly involved in
the police sector as well. We applaud the hard work and
dedication of all involved.
RICE