The United Nations Security Council has lifted the arms embargo imposed on Liberia during the regime of former president Charles Taylor in 200. According to media reports, the UN Security Council took the action through the unanimous adoption of resolution 1903 (2009) at its headquarters in New York over the weekend.
In the resolution, the Council said based on sustained progress made by the government of Liberia since January 2006, in rebuilding the country for the benefit of all Liberians, with the support of the international community, it was lifting the arms embargo.
The Security Council said it was taking the decision so as to allow the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission (UNMIL) receive military materials while it functions in the country.
The Council’s resolution praised the Liberian government for establishing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) as well as establishing its authority throughout the country, particularly in the diamond, timber and other natural resources producing regions and border areas.
At the same time, the UN Security Council has extended by 12 months its travel ban on persons in the country deemed to be a threat to the country’s peace process.
Those affected by the ban include former National Patriotic Party Chairman Cyril Allen, Nimba County Senator Adolphus Dolo, both associates of Charles Taylor, former House Speaker George Dweh, an official of the defunct rebel MODEL group, and the estranged wife of former president Taylor, Jewel Howard-Taylor.
Source African Press Agency
loading...
