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Today's Paper | May 10, 2024

Published 06 Jun, 2004 12:00am

Pakistani troops' role in Liberia lauded

UNITED NATIONS, June 5: Pakistani troops, who are part of UN peace operations in Liberia have performed exceptionally well in stabilizing the chaotic country, a top UN official said late on Friday in an interview.

Jacque Paul Klein, UN Secretary-General's special representative and Coordinator of UN operations in Liberia, was full of praise for Pakistani soldiers who he said were the best of all the soldiers.

"I know I can always depend on them. They are very professional soldiers. They carry out their duties without question and they have helped stabilize the country."

Besides, Mr Klein said that a Pakistani field hospital has treated over 11,000 people and treated the people of Liberia with dignity.

"I told them that those getting treatment in the field hospitals should not be asked to give any money, but if they want to turn in a weapon, a hand grenade or gun they should accept it."

He said: "I have four sectors, one is Nigerian, one Bangladeshi and one Ethiopian and one Pakistani."

He said "since our arrival we have disarmed 38,000 Liberians in our camps."

He said that the Pakistani troops entrusted take weapons from the hard-core fighters who are then interviewed by them and given money ($150).

Giving an example of Pakistani contingents core of engineers efficiency in tackling problems, Mr Klein said that while travelling on operations "our convoy came to a bridge which was blown up, they got down immediately and repaired the bridge within four hours."

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