Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08STATE64266
2008-06-13 23:32:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

LIBERIA - GUIDANCE FOR JUNE 16 MEETING OF UN

Tags:  UNSC LI 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO9359
OO RUEHTRO
DE RUEHC #4266 1652341
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O P 132332Z JUN 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 2198
INFO RUEHMV/AMEMBASSY MONROVIA PRIORITY 2873
UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS STATE 064266 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC LI
SUBJECT: LIBERIA - GUIDANCE FOR JUNE 16 MEETING OF UN
SECURITY COUNCIL


UNCLAS STATE 064266

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC LI
SUBJECT: LIBERIA - GUIDANCE FOR JUNE 16 MEETING OF UN
SECURITY COUNCIL



1. Mission may draw on the following for use in the June 16
Meeting of the UN Security Council on Liberia.


2. Begin Text.

We thank the Panel of Experts on Liberia Sanctions for their
report, which demonstrates their dedication and thorough work
on Liberia-related sanctions; the arms embargo, the travel
ban and the assets freeze. I would like to make five points.

First, Liberia continues its peaceful transition to a
democratic order under the administration of President Ellen
Sirleaf Johnson. The Government of Liberia has instituted
reforms that have allowed for the removal of the
international ban on trade in Liberian timber and diamonds,
and Liberia is participating in the Kimberly Process
Certification Scheme and the Extractive Industries
Transparency Initiative to ensure that its natural resources
are used to benefit the people and nation of Liberia, rather
than to fuel conflict.

Second, the work of the Panel of Experts helps Liberia and
its international partners make needed reforms which will
contribute to Liberia,s stability, good governance and
sustainable economic growth. We welcome the Panel,s
detailed recommendations, and we will coordinate with Liberia
and other partners to help implement those recommendations.
We are pleased with the level of cooperation the Panel of
Experts has received, internationally and from the Government
of Liberia.

Third, it is good news that there were no instances of major
arms embargo violations. The minor violations that occurred
appear to be technical in nature and do not represent serious
attempts to bring arms into Liberia.

Fourth, while we recognize that Liberia has taken steps to
better control its rough diamond trade, the Panel of Experts
report indicates there are areas for improvement with respect
to the Kimberley process, which need to be addressed
seriously.

Fifth, while the Panel received good cooperation in its
efforts to gather information on the implementation of the
asset freeze, it has found indications that the asset freeze
is not being implemented in a comprehensive manner, and we
urge the Government of Liberia to address this.

End Text.
RICE