She said Liberia continues to repose confidence in the UN as the most viable body in the search for global peace and security, adding, "These are drivers of our transformational push to save our nation and our world."

President Sirleaf’s statement was contained in a speech she delivered on Thursday at the 71st Regular Session of the UN General Assembly in New York, a copy of which reached the Liberia News Agency.

The Liberian leader noted that Liberia remains committed to addressing extreme poverty, empowerment of women and girls, and bringing marginalized communities into mainstream society so that their voices can be heard.

"We are optimistic about the regional initiatives and collaborations at the levels of the African Union, ECOWAS and the United Nations aimed at helping to consolidate peace and security on the African continent," she said.

She then praised the UN for consolidating its forces under the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) which, according to her, worked with Liberia to institute and then consolidate security, peace-building efforts and governance in the country.

President Sirleaf said the people of Liberia recognize the risks involved, given the severe state of the nation's fragility and the scarcity of resources, but indicated that "the country stands tall to assume those responsibilities, knowing that partners are still with us."
LINA WSG/JGT/TSS/PTK