He stressed the need for a regional approach to the resolution of ECOWAS problems, especially with the advent of the new threat of terrorism in the sub-region.

Vice President Boakai said ECOWAS has been active in preventing conflict in the sub-region, including the intervention of the regional body in the crises in Mali, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and the Ivory Coast, among others.

He noted that these interventions have helped bring peace and stability to the region.

Vice President Boakai made the commendation Tuesday at his Capitol Hill office when he received in audience Mr. Valdemar Vrey, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General for Rule of Law at the U.N. Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).

He spoke of the importance of putting in place an early warning system to prevent crises in the region, said a release from the Office of the Vice President.

“An early warning is a major element of disaster risk reduction; it prevents loss of life and reduces the economic and material impact of disasters and to be effective, the system needs to actively involve the communities at risk,” he observed.

He said early warning will also “facilitate public education and awareness of risks, effectively disseminate alerts and warnings and ensure there is a constant state of preparedness.”
Earlier in remarks, the UN official said he has had a positive experience in Liberia since his arrival in the country and hailed the Vice President for his support to the establishment of the early warning system in Liberia, the release added.
LINA PR/TSS/PTK