Mr. George Patten acknowledged that the sanctions imposed on key individuals, the arms embargo and a ban on the export of Liberian timber and rough diamonds were well placed.

Speaking on Wednesday, May 25, following the unanimous vote by the UN Security Council to terminate sanctions on Liberia imposed through Resolution 1521, the Liberian diplomat said while there have been numerous debates about the usefulness of sanctions, targeted sanctions in the context of Liberia have been very
constructive.

Patten referred to the sanctions regime as having contributed, in large measure, to the stabilization of the country and also stimulating post-conflict economic recovery.

According to a dispatch from New York, the Charge d’Affaires informed the UN Security Council that the Liberian Government, despite capacity constraints, cooperated effectively with them and remained constructively engaged with the panel of experts in meeting their expectations.
He said this provided the Government the opportunity to make the country a safe and stable place for all Liberians as well as foreign residents.

On some of the specific concerns previously raised by the Security Council, including the enactment of relevant laws to regulate fire arms, Patten pointed out that the 53rd National Legislature recently passed the Fire Arms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015, which provides the legal framework for the management of arms in the country.
He further informed the Security Council of the passage of the Police and Immigration Acts, as complements to the Fire Arms and Ammunition Control Act.

Meanwhile, Patten has expressed gratitude to the Resolution 1521 Committee comprising all members of the UN Security Council, including the various chairs of the Committee for their support.

He also thanked the panel of experts for the numerous visits to Liberia and the sub-region to ensure that the sanctions were implemented.

Patten said the termination of the sanctions regime will provide further motivation to the Government to strengthen the capacity of national security institutions as they assume their constitutional role of protecting lives and property and safeguarding the territorial integrity of Liberia.
LINA PR/TSS/PTK