Finland prepares to send officers for UN-led peacekeeping operation in Liberia

Government Information Unit
Press release 319/2003
4 November, 2003



Finland is preparing to send two staff officers for a UN-led peacekeeping operation, UNIMIL, in Liberia at the request of the UN secretariat. The request has been discussed by the President of the Republic and the Cabinet Committee on Foreign and Security Policy.

In September 2003, the UN Security Council made a decision on the establishment of the United Nations Mission in Liberia, UNMIL. Its total strength will be 16,000 of whom 1,115 will form a civilian police component. UNIMIL will be one of the largest UN operations ever.

UNMIL's mission is to implement the ceasefire agreement, support humanitarian aid, human rights, the reform of the security sector and the peace process and to protect civilians, plus UN personnel, buildings and equipment.

In early November, the UN Secretariat asked Finland to send two officers for the UNMIL operation in Liberia. First, Finland intends to send one officer specialised in communications and information management, as specified in the request, and the other officer after an appropriate position has been identified.


Further information: Markus Lyra, Director-General, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 9 1605 5032.