George Weah
Thanks the UN
January 28, 2004
Posted to the web January 28, 2004
Football star George Weah, a Goodwill Ambassador of the United
Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), visited his home country of
Liberia last weekend, where he thanked the UN for coming to the aid
of the West African nation and promised to help the country's young
people.
Mr. Weah met with the chief of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL),
Jacques Paul Klein, who congratulated Mr. Weah for his outstanding
commitment and dedication to children affected by the 14-year civil
conflict.
Mr. Klein also conveyed the UN's deep appreciation for Mr. Weah's
visit to his home country at a time when peace has finally come to
Liberia, but significant challenges remain. Mr. Klein indicated that
as Liberia's most beloved national hero, Mr. Weah would continue to
play an important role in inspiring and motivating child
ex-combatants to become "useful and productive citizens."
The UN would be ready to assist the young people once they've laid
down their weapons, Mr. Klein said. "The talent is in Liberia.
Liberia is full of wonderful, decent people; they just lack the
opportunity," he said, adding that through the programmes being
offered by the UN, young Liberians could acquire education and
training to enable them to play a constructive role in the rebirth
of the country.
Mr. Weah thanked the UN for coming to Liberia's aid in its hour of
need and making it safe and stable. He challenged all Liberians to
come together to help the UN in its search for lasting peace, and
called on all child combatants to disarm.
"Once they are willing, we just need to be prepared to help them
after they lay down their arms," Mr. Weah said, adding, "The UN is
taking a good step to help them get back to school."
Mr. Klein and Mr. Weah pledged to collaborate on future projects
benefiting Liberia's war-affected youth.
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