In Liberia, Ireland has the opportunity to contribute, in a substantive manner, to bringing stability to a key region in Africa and to support the establishment of peace, respect for human rights and the rule of law as well as the re-establishment of civil society in the region. We have the opportunity to facilitate and support the development of the country and the aspirations and potential of its people. Since our first involvement in peacekeeping in 1958, Ireland's willingness to participate in UN peace support missions has been motivated by a firm belief that peoples throughout the world have the right to live in peace with justice, free from fear. Our participation in UNMIL represents a continuation and vindication of that belief.