§ John BarrettTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the success or otherwise of the demobilisation effort in Liberia; and if he will make a statement. [169901]
§ Mr. MullinThe UN Mission in Liberia restarted the disarmament and demobilisation of all sides in the Liberian conflict on 15 April 2004. 18,415 fighters had already been disarmed since the conflict ended. Since April a further 4,924 former combatants have entered the disarmament and demobilisation process. There have been no reports of any major security incidents. In the long term, the real test will be how effectively those who have been disarmed and demobilised can be reintegrated and rehabilitated back into Liberian society.