Vietnam has called on every party in Liberia to work together to promote national reconciliation and hold constructive talks to find a long-term solution to its internal conflicts.

During a United Nations Security Council debate on the situation in Liberia and the operations of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) on September 9, Ambassador Bui The Giang, Vietnam ’s permanent deputy representative at the UN, praised Liberia ’s quest for peace, its economic stability and moderisation, improvements in social welfare and its solutions to humanitarian issues.

The Vietnamese official reaffirmed his support for the Liberian Government’s efforts to reduce poverty , increase security, eliminate its proliferation of weapons and reintegrate demobilised soldiers back to the community.

He highlighted the necessity to step up moves between Liberia and its neighbours to counter drug-trafficking and organised crime.

He also urged the UN’s agencies, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the Mano River Union and the international community to assist Liberia with its reconstruction.

Ambassador Giang also praised the UNMIL and UN agencies for their supporting role in preparing Liberia for its presidential elections in 2011.

He suggested that the UN’s plan to reduce the number of peacekeeping troops should be carried in a serious manner, based on regular assessments on Liberia ’s situation and closer links with the Liberian government, the UN’s agencies and other partners./.