Permanent Representative to the UN, New York Anders Liden of Sweden

Addressing the general debate of the 61st UN General Assembly, Swedish permanent representative to the UN Anders Liden said the latest cycle of violence in the Middle East and the recent escalation in Darfur have once again highlighted the need for a strong multilateral response to global challenges.

Liden is optimistic for political and pragmatic progress to be made in 2009.

Speaking to UNMIL Radio, Ambassador Anders Liden said that a major reason for the Swedish delegations mission to Liberia and Sierra Leone was to explore the possibility of these countries being the focus of the recently established UN Peacebuilding Commissions work.

Ambassador Liden said they are also looking into what specific role Sweden can play in supporting a Peace Building Commission in Liberia and how Sweden can contribute to the development of the country.

Liden is the permanent representative of Sweden to the United Nations.

Anders Liden is the Ambassador to the United Nations for Sweden.