The Secretary-General wishes to thank his Executive Representative Michael von der Schulenburg for his excellent service as the head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL). Mr. von der Schulenburg, whose appointment is due to expire, will depart for New York on 6 February. The Secretary-General is appreciative of the work Mr. von der Schulenburg has done in Sierra Leone since 2008 at the helm of UNIPSIL and of the entire United Nations country team. He is also appreciative of Mr. Schulenburg's open and fruitful work with all sections of the Sierra Leonean society including with political parties and stakeholders, his effective cooperation with the Peacebuilding Commission, and his initiatives in achieving greater donor cooperation and in improving overall aid efficiency for the benefit of all Sierra Leoneans.

UNIPSIL and the country team will remain closely engaged and assist where possible in fostering elections that are peaceful and credible, and will continue to work to enhance dialogue among the major political parties.