1st LD Writethru: UN Security Council ends sanctions on Liberia

The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution to terminate sanctions regime imposed on Liberia more than a decade ago.

The newly-adopted resolution decided to end immediately the arms embargo imposed on the country, and also terminate the related sanctions committee and panel of experts.

Over the years, sanctions on Liberia have been reduced. Last September, the most powerful UN body terminated travel ban and asset freeze measures imposed on the country.

The sanction regime was set up as a response to the civil war in Liberia, where warring parties were involved in illegal arms traffic and diamond trade.

Adopted in 2003, the Security Council resolution 1521 set the criteria for termination of these sanctions as a ceasefire in the country, completing disarmament, security sector restructuring and implementing peace deal.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the adoption of the resolution, noting that today's lifting of sanction measures by the Security Council further signals the significant progress made by Liberia and the sub-region in maintaining stability, according to a statement released by his spokesperson.

Ban also called on the government of Liberia to ensure that all appropriate steps are taken to establish the necessary legal and administrative framework to combat the illicit trafficking of arms and ammunition. Enditem