§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the UN peacekeeping force in Liberia; and if he will make a statement. [151201]
§ Mr. MullinThe UN peacekeeping force in Liberia (UNMIL) currently consists of 9,000 troops, increasing to 15,000 by the end of March 2004, UNMIL initially deployed to Monrovia and its immediate surrounds. As numbers increase the force is extending its reach throughout the country. UNMIL is responsible for the disarmament and demobilisation process. It has collected about 9,000 weapons; is constructing three cantonment camps; and is sensitising ex-combatants towards the peace process. It is also actively involved in humanitarian relief and has made several valuable interventions to protect Liberian citizens.