Liberia: expert panel urges Security Council to extend UN mission

23 June - A group of experts monitoring United Nations sanctions on Liberia has called for the extension of the world body's peacekeeping mission in the West African country to assist the Government in regaining control of its natural resources.

The mid-term report of the Panel of Experts on Liberia recommended that the UN Mission, known as UNMIL, help Monrovia re-establish administration of its natural resources and authority over mining and forestry.

The group also said that efforts to ensure that rough diamonds from Côte d'Ivoire do not enter Liberia must be intensified through strengthened internal controls over diamond mining and trading, as well as continued collaboration with the Kimberley Process – an international initiative joining governments, industry and civil society to stem the flow of conflict diamonds – and with neighbouring countries.

The panel of experts was appointed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in July 2007 to renew investigations of whether UN sanctions against Liberia are enforced after learning of allegations that former president Charles Taylor may still have access to considerable wealth.

In its report, the group reviewed the lifting of embargoes on the export of diamonds and timber, along with the Council's travel ban and assets freeze imposed on certain individuals associated with Mr. Taylor, who's currently on trial in The Hague on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The panel said that it is investigating allegations of unapproved travel by individuals under the Council's ban amid reports that the Liberian Government has issued at least four passports, including a diplomatic one to listed individuals.

Among its proposals, the panel suggested that enforcement of the travel ban could be strengthened with greater collaboration with organizations such as INTERPOL.