UN MISSION IN LIBERIA: MANDATE RENEWAL AND

UNCLAS STATE 095744 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KPKO UNSC LI SUBJECT: UN MISSION IN LIBERIA: MANDATE RENEWAL AND SECURITY COUNCIL CONSULTATIONS ¶1. USUN is requested to circulate to concerned missions the draft text for a Security Council resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL),slightly accelerating the pace of the drawdown of UNMIL's military component, and raising the authorized level of UNMIL's police contingent (paragraph 2). USUN may draw on the talking points in paragraph 3 for the Security Council consultations scheduled for September 9. The Security Council is scheduled to vote on September 29. ¶2. Begin draft resolution text: The Security Council, Recalling its resolutions and statements by its President concerning the situation in Liberia and the subregion, in particular its resolutions 1777 (2007) of 20 September 2007, 1750 (2007) of 30 March 2007, 1626 (2006) of 19 September 2006, and 1509 (2003) of 19 September 2003, Welcoming the Secretary-General's report of 15 August 2008 (Security Council/2008/553), Further welcoming the continuing efforts of the Government of Liberia to improve governance, combat corruption, and build a stronger economy, Noting with appreciation the steps being taken to facilitate national reconciliation and conflict management, with the support of the Peacebuilding Fund, Noting the progress made in rebuilding, equipping, and deploying the Liberian National Police and restructuring of the Armed Forces of Liberia, and in developing a national security architecture, and encouraging the Government of Liberia, in cooperation with the international community, to expedite its efforts in these fields, Further noting the findings of the joint security assessment by the Government of Liberia, UNMIL and the United Nations country team, in particular the continuing need for support from United Nations police advisors to the Liberian National Police, Expressing its appreciation for the continuing support of the international community, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), Commending the work of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL),under the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for its continuing and significant contribution to maintaining peace and stability in Liberia, and welcoming the close cooperation between UNMIL and the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI),as well as with neighboring Governments, in coordinating security activities in the border areas in the subregion, Noting with appreciation the substantial progress made to date in the reintegration of ex-combatants, welcoming the contribution being made by the UN Development Program, UNMIL and the National Commission on Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Rehabilitation, and recognizing that there continues to be a need for formal sector employment, Recognizing the significant challenges that remain in the consolidation of Liberia's post-conflict transition, including consolidation of State authority, massive development and reconstruction needs, the reform of the judiciary, extension of the rule of law throughout the country, and the further development of the Liberian security forces and security architecture, in particular the Liberian National Police, and noting that crimes of corruption and violence, in particular with regard to exploitation of Liberia's natural resources, threaten to undermine progress towards these ends, Welcoming the progress achieved on the broad benchmarks laid out in the Secretary-General's report of 12 September 2006 and core benchmarks presented in the Secretary-General's reports of 8 August 2007 and 19 March 2008, welcoming UNMIL's continuing efforts to promote and protect the rights of women, calling on Liberian authorities to continue to cooperate with the United Nations country team and civil society, in order to achieve further progress in these areas and in particular to combat gender-based violence, sexual exploitation and abuse, and recalling its resolutions 1325(2000) and 1820 (2008) on women, peace and security, Reiterating the continuing need for UNMIL's support for the security of the Special Court for Sierra Leone, Determining that the situation in Liberia continues to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region, Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations, ¶1. Decides that the mandate of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) shall be extended until 30 September 2009; ¶2. Reaffirms its intention to authorize the Secretary-General to redeploy troops, as may be needed, between UNMIL and UNOCI on a temporary basis in accordance with the provisions of resolution 1609 (2005); ¶3. Endorses the Secretary-General's recommendation for a reduction of an additional 1,460 personnel deployed as part of UNMIL's military component and for the streamlining of the current four sectors into two, during the period October 2008 to September 2009; ¶4. Further endorses the Secretary-General's recommendation for an increase in the authorized number of personnel deployed as part of UNMIL's police component to 1,485, with immediate effect, as well as his plans for internal adjustments in the composition of the police component within that overall ceiling, including an increase in the number of formed police units; ¶5. Requests the Secretary-General to continue to monitor progress on the core benchmarks detailed in paragraph 66 of his report of 8 August 2007 (Security Council/2007/479) and in his report of 19 March 2008 (Security Council/2008/123), and any subsequent refinements of the benchmarks that may be recommended by the Secretary-General or his Special Representative, to report on that progress to the Security Council by a date six months following the date of adoption of this resolution and, in view of the extent of that progress, to recommend to the Security Council no later than 15 August 2009 any further reductions in UNMIL's military component and any further adjustments, increases or reductions in UNMIL's police component as appropriate; ¶6. Further requests the Secretary-General, in consultation with the Government of Liberia, to develop further detailed benchmarks to measure and track progress towards the achievement of security in Liberia, and in that context to include in his next report and in subsequent reports thereafter an assessment both of the progress made towards building the capacity of the Liberian National Police and of the contribution of UNMIL towards that goal, and to make recommendations on possible adjustments needed to UNMIL police training or concept of operations as appropriate; ¶7. Expresses its intention to review by 30 September 2009 the Secretary-General's recommendations for further UNMIL reductions, in the context of the security situation in Liberia and the subregion; ¶8. Decides to remain seized of the matter. End resolution text. ¶3. Begin talking points: -- I would like to thank Ambassador Loj for her briefing. -- The United States is pleased that its long partnership with Liberia continues to thrive, and that we are a substantial participant in international efforts to support the Government and the Liberian people in their efforts to achieve prosperity and stability. -- We welcome the Secretary-General's recommendations on fine tuning the plans for drawing down UNMIL's strength over the next couple of years. Progress is and should be steady, but it must be measured against Liberia's ability to provide its own security. -- The reports of serious, spontaneous civil unrest and the threat of violent crime all point, as the Secretary- General has indicated, towards an increased focus on building the capacity of the Liberian National Police, and in providing enhanced support from UNMIL while the LNP is being strengthened. -- We again urge all Liberians to respect the rule of law and the authority of the State, and to refrain from violence. -- 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. -- Liberia's recovery will ultimately depend on the resumption of economic activity, the creation of jobs, and the development of the next generation of Liberians who are healthy, educated, and ready to work. We view UNMIL's engagement as a critical component of this longer-term strategy. -- Liberia's recovery will also depend on the willingness of Liberians to achieve social, political, ethnic, and religious reconciliation. We applaud the efforts already underway through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and other bodies, and we encourage Liberians and their international partners to continue their efforts to achieve reconciliation. End talking points. RICE