6 May 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today lauded the success of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) in collecting more than 10,000 weapons from over 18,000 ex-fighters, saying that the collection of these weapons is an important milestone in the search for lasting peace in Liberia.  With this success, UNMIL is winding down the first phase of its programme to demobilize and disarm the war-torn West African country's three main warring factions.

“171 of our brave soldiers and police are members of the UNMIL and are doing their best, with the Philippine flag proudly on their shoulders, to help the people of Liberia.  I commend them for their dedication to duty and for their role in the success of UNMIL,” Secretary Albert said.

More than 3 million rounds of small arms ammunition and 5,300 other pieces of  ammunition, including mortars and hand grenades, have also been collected.

“The people of Liberia have witnessed some of the bloodiest fighting in history.  Extreme cruelty and inhumane treatment have characterized the fighting.  Yet today Liberia stands on the threshold of peace.  We will continue to support efforts at bringing peace to  Liberia,” the Secretary said.

“The Liberian experience shows that no matter how deep the divisions and no matter how intense the hatred, battling parties can still come together in the name of peace and hope,” Secretary Albert said.  END.