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More Swedish Fund for Former Fighters

The Analyst (Monrovia)
NEWS
December 15, 2004
Posted to the web December 15, 2004

The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced additional funds as the
government's contribution toward the disarmament, demobilization, repatriation
and resettlement of former Liberian fighters.
An UNMIL release said the Sweden's latest support of one million Euros would be
channeled through the UNDP Trust Fund for Liberia. The Swedish government had
earlier contributed 14 million Swedish Kronor to the UNDP Trust Fund, the
release said.
The release described the DDRR program as an important and vital part of the
Comprehensive Peace Agreement. "As the DD part is now being finalized," the
release said the challenge of rehabilitating and reintegrating more than
100,000 ex-combatants is at the focus. Sweden joins efforts with both national
and international actors to assist in this task of building peace and stability
in Liberia.
"Rebuilding the communities and creating possibilities for the population to
make a living in their places of origin, be they former fighters or IDP is
crucial for the future. Sweden is willing to render its support, but the
efforts of the Liberians and the international community together is needed to
ensure success.
Apart from the contributions to the DDRR Trust fund, Sweden is participating in
the United Nations Mission in Liberia, at UNMIL's Headquarters.
Over the years, Sweden has also supported the humanitarian and reconstruction
efforts, this year with approximately 88 million Swedish Kronor (about 9, 3
million Euros) In addition, Sweden is taking an active part in the political
and diplomatic peace efforts in Liberia and in the region as a whole.
The Swedish State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Hans Dahgren, is assigned
as the Special Representative of the Presidency of the European Union to the
Mano River Countries. Mr. Dahlgren is also co-chairing the International
Contact Group for Liberia, (ICGL).
Since September 2004, the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs has posted a
diplomat in Monrovia.
"The Peace- process in Liberia, with a comprehensive implementation of the
DDRR-programme, is of utmost significance for the stability in the whole
region. It is important that the demobilized can return to their homes to
receive training and assistance to adjust to a civilian life", says the Swedish
Minister for Development Cooperation Carin Jamtin. According to the Minister,
special attention should be given to the returning child soldiers.

   

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