S/PV.6603Resumption1 Security Council

The President: I should like to inform the Council that I have received a letter from the representative of Azerbaijan. In accordance with rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative to participate in this meeting. There being no objection, it is so decided. I wish to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than four minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. I shall now give the floor to the representative of Australia.

Ms. King (Australia): At the outset, I would like to join the others who have spoken today in expressing Australia's condemnation of the attack on the United Nations compound in Abuja overnight. This is the starkest reminder of the risks faced by United Nations personnel working in the cause of peace, stability and development. Any attack on the United Nations is an attack on all of us. I would like to express our deep sympathies to the families, friends and colleagues of those affected, and of course to the Government and people of Nigeria. Australia welcomes the opportunity to address the Council on the topic of peacekeeping operations, and we thank India for convening this debate. Peacekeeping remains at the core of the United Nations. It is the most critical and highly visible measure by which the Organization is judged. We would like to limit our remarks to three issues. First, regular consultations with troop- contributing countries and police-contributing countries are an important mechanism to ensure that peacekeeping mandates are informed by concrete knowledge of ground realities and that expectations are realistic and well understood. Consultative meetings need to be structured, with advance notice of their scheduling. We welcome the initiatives outlined in today's presidential statement (S/PRST/ZOll/l7) to improve those processes. We also believe it is critical that a range of stakeholders are consulted in the development of mandates and throughout the life cycle of a mission. Informal mission-specific groups can play an important role. Australia has been pleased to be a part of the Core 2 Group on Timor-Leste, which continues to provide suggestions regarding support to the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste and to serve as a useful forum for consultation with stakeholders. Secondly, it is important that peacekeeping missions are provided with the necessary resources and capabilities to take forward their complex roles. Today's missions need the resources and capabilities to deal with twenty-first century challenges and mandates. We need further analysis of different capabilities that can improve missions' effectiveness. Critical enablers, such as communication tools and analytical capabilities, can improve situational awareness, assist with the development of early- warning capacities and act as force multipliers. Aviation assets can provide critical mobility, along with firepower, but are often in short supply. We welcome work under way to examine helicopter force generation challenges. Of course, the most valuable resource a peacekeeping mission has is its people and their skills. Efforts underway within the United Nations to develop baseline capability standards for infantry battalions, staff officers and medical support units are an important step towards ensuring that peacekeepers are better prepared and equipped. Timely information on existing capability gaps would assist in ensuring there is a coordinated and targeted approach to capacity- building. We look forward to the outcomes of the impact assessment of the capability gap lists. Many speakers this morning emphasized the important linkages between peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Australia's own recent experience with peace and security operations in our own region - including in Timor-Leste and Solomon Islands - has placed a premium on the early transition to peacebuilding, which we all recognize is the only way to prevent societies coming out of conflict from sliding quickly back into conflict. Early peacebuilding efforts require the early deployment of qualified civilian personnel. We look forward to the forthcoming report of the Secretary-General on the civilian capacity review. Bilateral and multilateral partnerships are an important part of capacity-building for peacekeepers. Australia seeks to share its peacekeeping experiences through capacity-building and training. Our civilians, police and armed forces work with our neighbours and 11-48209 our partners, including our partners in the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands, to build police and military peacekeeping skills. Our final point relates to providing clarity in relation to expectations of peacekeepers' roles on the ground. Peacekeepers are faced with tough decisions, particularly when it comes to carrying out mandates to protect civilians. For this reason, Australia has been a strong advocate for specific protection-of-civilians training and guidance. The development of pre-deployment training modules, which include scenario-based training tools, is a welcome step toward addressing some of the uncertainties that peacekeepers face in undertaking their duties. We encourage the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to deliver those training modules to Member States and the field as soon as possible. We believe these tools can be further supported through guidance for uniformed personnel on the protection of civilians. Military personnel in particular can have important responsibilities when it comes to the physical protection of civilians and other peacekeeping personnel, which can require them to use force. We look forward to the development of guidance on the use of force, and have been pleased to support regional conferences on that issue. Australia believes that it is only through consultation and burden-sharing on the part of all parties that the peacekeeping partnership can retain its strength and ability to address new challenges. In conclusion, we would like to acknowledge once again the service of the men and women deployed to peace operations who are taking forward the vital work of maintaining peace and security on the ground for communities affected by conflict.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan.

Mr. Tarar (Pakistan): Let me begin by expressing Pakistan's condemnation of the dastardly terrorist act in Abuja. We offer our deepest condolences and commiseration to the bereaved families, the Government and people of Nigeria and all members of our United Nations family. The Pakistan delegation congratulates you, Mr. President, on your able steering of the work of the 11-48209 Security Council this month and for convening this very important open debate today. Your concept paper (S/20ll/496, annex) has flagged important issues relevant to the subject and set precise parameters for a productive debate. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Unlike any other mechanism for maintaining international peace and security, United Nations peacekeeping enjoys universal acclaim, cost- effectiveness and professional precision. An indispensable tool in the hands of the Organization for maintaining international peace, peacekeeping offers us hope amid violence and conflict. The success of United Nations peacekeeping in recent years is the fruit of the concerted interplay between the Member States, with their faith in and commitment to peacekeeping; the troop-contributing countries (TCCs), with their provision of specialized and trained manpower for areas of conflict and war; and the United Nations Secretariat, with its overall coordination and field support. Our collective interests would be best served by building synergy. The success of United Nations peacekeeping has raised expectations for maintaining the trajectory of past achievements in the face of ever-changing political, operational and security environments. Consequently, increasingly complex and multidimensional peacekeeping mandates are being laid down to address diverse and volatile conflict situations. At least 13 peacekeeping missions are currently undertaking complex and multidimensional peacekeeping mandates, and the number is set to grow. Complex peacekeeping mandates are now a norm, not an exception, and implementing them is challenging, due to at least three underlying factors. First, they involve important legal questions, particularly on varying interpretations of the United Nations Charter, State sovereignty, international humanitarian law, and so forth. Secondly, the operational challenges of peacekeeping have been exacerbated by the prevailing financial and resource constraints felt by the entire peacekeeping architecture. Thirdly, an agreed narrative has yet to develop on achieving a seamless transition from a peacekeeping environment to an exit phase, focusing on, among other 3 aspects, the settlement of disputes and peacebuilding strategies. Pakistan believes that the guiding principle for meeting those challenges and ensuring the long-term success of peacekeeping operations must be adherence to the United Nations Charter and the concept of collective security. The Charter gives legitimacy to United Nations peacekeeping. Respect for the Charter and judicious interpretation of its provisions are essential for maintaining the credibility and neutrality of peacekeeping operations. This cannot and must not be compromised on the altar of political expediency. Recent events have proved that peace operations conducted unilaterally or by different coalitions are poor and costly substitutes for United Nations peacekeeping. The question of resource gaps is also a central challenge for existing and future missions alike. Despite their scope and extent, United Nations peacekeeping operations are largely underfunded and underresourced. In many missions, the scarcity of troops and vital resources remains a critical issue, threatening the Organization's ability to operate effectively and safely. While expenses and remuneration for other United Nations activities are adjusted for inflation and cost-of-living fluctuations, peacekeepers are expected to work at fixed and archaic rates. It is no longer sustainable for TCCs to subsidize United Nations peacekeeping, and the recent report of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (A/65/ 19) highlights this sustainability factor. In that regard, the progress made by the Fifth Committee in the last session will remain a temporary, stop-gap measure if it is not backed by an institutional mechanism for regular review of troop costs. The third major challenge, concerning exit strategies and seamless transitions to long-term peacebuilding, also merits close consideration. We believe that it is essential to dovetail such strategies with the broader objectives of a peacekeeping mission. Early investment in national institution-building, together with the peaceful settlement of underlying disputes, can only facilitate sustainable peace and avoid relapses into conflict. The role of peacekeepers in the early stages of peacebuilding is crucial, especially in the areas of combating organized crime, supporting local law enforcement, medical outreach, epidemic control, managing refugees and assisting humanitarian relief efforts. However, the delicate and multidimensional peacebuilding process requires civil expertise and a focus on improving local capacity, political dialogue and institution-building. The Peacebuilding Commission, with its unique composition, is better placed to contribute to developing such cross-sectional synergies. For clear, realistic and achievable mandates, greater understanding is required between the sanitized confines of the Security Council, where mandates are written, and the dusty fields of the conflict zones, where those mandates are implemented. It warrants regular consultations among the Security Council, the TCCs, and the Secretariat. Such consultations with TCCs can be held informally and more frequently, not just within the Council's Working Group on Peacekeeping. Greater emphasis on inclusiveness is essential at all stages of peacekeeping missions, including in the formulation and review of peacekeeping mandates. Similarly, the evolution of United Nations peacekeeping from its traditional form to more complex mandates is driving the discourse on peacekeeping reforms, which, like other aspects of peacekeeping, must also remain transparent and unpoliticized. We hope that today's open debate will enrich the discourse on modern-day peacekeeping and its future challenges with the objectivity that the subject deserves.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Indonesia.

Mr. Kleib (Indonesia): Let me begin by joining previous speakers and the Secretary-General in condemning the heinous act of terror on the United Nations building in Abuja. We wish to express our solidarity and sympathy with the people and Government of Nigeria, and we extend our sincere condolences to the Victims and their families. My delegation wishes to thank you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting, as well as for the excellent non-paper (S/ZOll/496, annex) reflecting many of the vital challenges that face United Nations peacekeeping. We also thank the Secretary- General for his valuable remarks. Indonesia associates itself with the statement delivered by Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. We do indeed take comfort in witnessing the cessation of conflict in some countries and their progress in steady rebuilding and reconstruction. The role and contribution of the United Nations and the international community in their progress are exceptional, and the Security Council has been determined and decisive in that regard. The experience of all those conflicts reaffirms the critical importance of peacekeeping operations in fulfilling the Council's primary responsibility for saving humankind from the scourge of war. We believe that the continuing importance of peacekeeping missions should be duly recognized. We therefore reiterate our full support for the Council's increased recognition of United Nations peacekeeping as a global partnership that draws on the contributions of troop- and police-contributing countries, the Security Council, the General Assembly and the Secretariat, not to mention the host country. As this is a collective endeavour, all stakeholders need to be on the same page with a sense of common purpose in order to effectively address the challenges. United Nations peacekeeping must also continue to be clearly and firmly based on three basic principles, namely, the interests of the parties concerned; impartiality; and the non-use of force except in self- defence and in defence of the Security Council mandate. As missions have become increasingly multidimensional, complex and highly risky in some theatres, our responsibility to provide explicitly clear guidelines to Blue Helmets, along with the necessary equipment, training and resources, has also become more pronounced. The political, human, financial, logistic and information resources necessary to achieve the mission's mandate can be mobilized and sustained only through continuous efforts to strengthen consultation and coordination among our stakeholders. In this regard, the views of troop- and police-contributing countries are critical, and they, along with the host country, should be more frequently and meaningfully consulted. 11-48209 The question of resources, as highlighted in the concept paper (S/2011/496, annex), indeed remains vital. A lack of required resources could not only impinge on the safety and security of peacekeepers, but could also affect peacekeepers' mandated capacities to safeguard populations. To undertake the noble goal of the protection of civilians, which my delegation fully supports, adequate capabilities must be provided, along with clear mission goals, in order to enhance the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. However, peacekeeping alone will remain insufficient if our goal is to achieve sustainable peace. A comprehensive approach that includes tackling root causes and conducting peacemaking is often the key to sustainable peace. Post-conflict peacebuilding is therefore Vital to helping war-torn societies transition to durable peace. In that regard, the role of the Peacebuilding Commission is of paramount importance. In that context, we commend the Security Council's focus over the past two years on the nexus between peacekeeping and peacebuilding. Furthermore, it is important that skilled and culturally aware civilian experts, especially from the global South, be deployed in a timely manner in areas in which expertise is required by the host countries. Peacekeeping is one of the important elements of Indonesia's foreign policy. Indonesia has participated actively in United Nations peacekeeping operations since 1956, and is presently contributing to six peacekeeping operations around the world. Indonesia will continue its contribution and increase its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Let me conclude by reiterating the importance for the United Nations, in particular the Security Council, and the international community to not only ensure the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations, but also to tackle the root causes of disputes and conflicts at the earliest stage in a well-planned, coherent, coordinated and comprehensive manner, in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Senegal.

Mr. Diallo (Senegal) (spoke in French): We were dismayed to learn of the cowardly attack on the United Nations office in Abuja, Nigeria, which has led to numerous deaths. In this sorrowful context, I should like, on behalf of the Government of Senegal, to condemn this indescribable act, whoever was responsible and whatever their motives may have been. I convey my sincere condolences to the families of the Victims, to the people and the Government of Nigeria, and to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. This horrendous event serves as a reminder - if one were necessary - of the need for the international community to fight without concession against all manners of extremism. Mr. President, your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council is a cause of genuine satisfaction for my delegation because of both your personal qualities and the excellent relations between your country and mine. Allow me, therefore, to extend my warmest congratulations to you and to express my sincere gratitude to your predecessor, Ambassador Wittig, Permanent Representative of Germany, for his valuable work last month. For my country, peacekeeping remains one of the most important and sensitive tasks of the United Nations. It is an integral part of the collective obligation of the international community under the Charter of the United Nations, which confers upon the Security Council the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Overall, peacekeeping operations have rewarded us with significant results, and today more than ever the world has a great need for these men and women - soldiers, paramilitary and civilians - who serve the most worthwhile cause: the cause of peace. My country therefore pays a glowing tribute to the professionalism and remarkable courage of the United Nations Blue Helmets and to salute the memory of those who have fallen over the past 60 years in the service of peace. Senegal has participated in United Nations peacekeeping operations since 1960 and has certainly paid a heavy price, in particular in terms of human lives. Like other peace-loving nations, my country has nevertheless accepted that consequence as proof of its unwavering commitment to the ideals of the United Nations. That is why we are convinced that the launching of a peacekeeping operation must follow a number of parameters, starting with a clear and precise definition of the mandate, its objectives and the tasks to be undertaken. Furthermore, good planning is needed that includes regular dialogue among the Security Council, the Secretariat and the troop-contributing countries, along with an effective awareness-raising campaign on the desired objectives. The success of a peacekeeping operation also involves the use of qualified, integrated and well- equipped personnel who are willing to respect the traditions and customs of the area of operation. The provision of the necessary equipment and adequate and predictable funding are two other major challenges. However, given that the financial problems faced by the United Nations are essentially due to the non-payment of contributions by Member States, it is necessary to consider more predictable funding sources, along with the critical financial involvement of voluntary contributors, especially from the developed countries. The United Nations must continue its peacekeeping capacity-building activities by coordinating the needs and resources of the United Nations standby arrangements system as part of a partnership among the troop-contributing Member States and those countries that are able to provide the appropriate equipment to deter belligerent forces. In the same vein, the establishment at Member State level of specialized peacekeeping reserve forces would enable a rapid and effective deployment whenever it is needed, especially in situations with a high risk of violence, thereby undoubtedly preventing tragedy or genocide. Likewise, strengthened collaboration between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations would be desirable to consolidate their conflict resolution mechanisms. In this regard, my delegation stresses the need to strengthen quantitatively and qualitatively the conflict prevention, mediation and peacekeeping capacities of the African Union. Moreover, the establishment of a strengthened partnership with the African Union could improve the planning, deployment and management of African peacekeeping operations and contribute to peace and security on our continent. The difficulties that characterize peacekeeping operations highlight the need to address the root causes of current crises in order to limit their number and consequences. To do that, we need a coherent, planned, coordinated and comprehensive action able to implement all the policy, social and development tools intended to reduce tensions, many of which stem directly from the rivalry among human groups for survival. Along the same lines, in some fragile States, following a peacekeeping operation it would be wise to emphasize the need to promptly implement coherent development policies in order to support the democratic processes under way and to create propitious conditions for a world order based on a spirit of partnership and solidarity. In that regard we should finally integrate preventive diplomacy, which through the institution of early warning systems could be of great interest in neutralizing some conflicts at the first signs. Ultimately, if we want greater satisfaction in future we must, while addressing the root causes of some conflicts, combine diligence in the management of peacekeeping operations with the rigor required by preventive diplomacy and developmental tasks. The task is heavy, but our will and determination are equally strong.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Japan.

Mr. Kodama (Japan): Before delivering my statement, I too want to join previous speakers by extending Japan's deepest condolences and sympathies to the victims of the outrageous bombing of the United Nations building in the Nigerian capital and to their bereaved families. Japan condemns in the strongest terms such heinous acts, particularly directed against those brave men and women. At the outset, I would like to welcome your initiative, Sir, to convene this open debate on the critical issue of United Nations peacekeeping operations. Japan shares the views presented and concerns raised in the concept paper prepared by the Indian presidency (S/20ll/496, annex). Japan has worked vigorously on many issues pertaining to United Nations peacekeeping operations in its capacity as Chair of the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations for the terms 2005-2006 and 2009-2010. It is our View that triangular cooperation among the Council, the Secretariat, troop-contributing countries (TCCs), police-contributing countries (PCCs) and other stakeholders is the fundamental key to the success of current peacekeeping operations, which have become more complex and multidimensional in recent years. 11-48209 Throughout the course of its chairmanship of the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations, Japan made efforts to establish a customary practice of the Council to hold consultations with TCCs, PCCs and other stakeholders at the time of the creation, modification or extension of a peacekeeping mandate, at least one week prior to the mandate's adoption. In parallel with this, the Working Group devoted several meetings to and had serious discussions on the issue of capability gaps, including the critical shortage of military utility helicopters in several peacekeeping missions. I would like to make my statement based on these experiences. With regard to the capability gap, Japan concurs with the View set out in the concept paper that this issue is an inevitable difficulty arising when the Security Council translates its will into deeds on the ground. It goes without saying that we must try to minimize the gap, but the challenge is always how to do so. While the international community cannot abandon its responsibility to protect civilians in need, no matter how difficult the task may be, the resources needed to fulfil such mandates are not likely to become immediately available. Japan highly appreciates, in this regard, the continuing efforts of the Secretariat to develop, disseminate and update the gap list, which have greatly helped us to recognize and understand the existence of gaps. With that as a foundation, it is now high time for us all to take further steps to elaborate on the causes of gaps and the difficulty we have in filling them. As regards the triangular cooperation among the Council, the Secretariat, TCCs, PCCs and other stakeholders, Japan would like to reiterate its importance not only for the purpose of improving the quality of United Nations peacekeeping operations, but also from the point of View of the transparency of the activities of the Council. We have made significant progress by holding dialogues with the force commanders of various missions in the Council as well as in the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34). The meetings with TCCs, PCCs and other stakeholders are intended to enhance the understanding of the Council through the first-hand views of TCCs, PCCs and other stakeholders, so that peacekeeping mandates may appropriately reflect the reality on the ground in the form of a resolution. It is perfectly reasonable that such meetings be held at least one week before the adoption of the relevant Council resolution, which was not the normal practice several years ago. As to the quality of the discussion in those meetings, however, it must be said that it is not necessarily action-oriented. The meetings generally take the form of briefings from the Secretariat followed by a few questions and answers. Japan strongly recommends that TCC and PCC meetings be aimed at solving concrete problems through practical and concrete discussions. To that end, Japan calls for the Council, TCCs, PCCs and other stakeholders to act. The responsibility in this regard lies first and foremost with the Council. The Council is the only body with the power and responsibility, in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations, to adopt resolutions and apply force to realize its intention to maintain international peace and security. Over the past two decades, the Council has been successful in adjusting to a drastically changing world by transforming peacekeeping operations appropriately. However, some of the critical shortfalls currently occurring in missions have the potential to cause serious damage to the credibility of the Council. In order to avoid such an outcome and fulfil its duty more proactively, the Council should clarify and explain what exactly are the issues and points to be amended in the mandate, so that peacekeepers on the ground may conduct their work more efficiently and effectively. Japan would like to stress the important role and responsibility of the Council, and therefore recommends that agendas and points of discussion of the meetings be clearly set sufficiently in advance of the meeting date. Security Council obligations notwithstanding, responsibility for this issue does not rest with the Council alone. The TCCs, PCCs and other stakeholders should be strongly encouraged to share their first-hand experience and awareness to the problems on the ground. In this regard, Japan also concurs with the proposal in the concept note. At the same time, my delegation intends to continue its outreach regarding this important issue in the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations and the C34. In conclusion, Japan would like to highlight the fact that United Nations peacekeeping operations have come to entail increasingly complex and interlinked situations. Thus, further cooperation and coordination among the Council, the General Assembly, the Member States and the Secretariat are required. It is now time for all United Nations peacekeeping actors to enhance their efforts in order to respond to the high expectations of the international community.

The President: I call on the representative of Uruguay.

Mr. Ceriani (Uruguay) (spoke in Spanish): I wish to convey the sincerest condolences of my country to the people and Government of Nigeria and the United Nations family for the reprehensible attack suffered in Abuja. We thank the presidency of the Security Council for having organized this open debate and the Secretary-General for his introductory remarks. Peacekeeping operations have become a fundamental and distinctive component of one of the noblest tasks carried out by this Organization - the maintenance of peace in the world. Keeping the peace is a joint undertaking of the membership as a whole, but, without prejudice to the efforts of any party, it is primarily a task carried out by the troops and police of contributing countries, which, in keeping with their commitment to the principles and values enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, make their police and armed forces available. In this sense, we must not underestimate the importance of broad-based support among all Member States for the mandates adopted by the Council, in particular taking into account the characteristics of the complex tasks that it has begun to mandate, such as the protection of civilians in immediate physical danger. This would not only lend greater legitimacy and reduce resistance to the implementation of these activities, but also generate greater commitment among all stakeholders involved in implementation. With regard to cooperation with troop- contributing countries (TCCs) and police-contributing countries, over the past two years we have seen positive signs in several areas. These include greater consultation between the Security Council and troop- and police-contributing countries; greater interaction between the Secretariat and the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations; and the active involvement of TCCs in various consultation forums both at Headquarters and in the field, demonstrating great flexibility to adapt to the complex scenarios and tasks assigned. While all of this represents progress compared to the situation a little more than one year ago, it is not sufficient for the global alliance that is required to provide comprehensive and effective responses to the challenges facing peacekeeping to be solid and sustainable. A genuine spirit of involvement cannot be built simply by endorsing or rejecting ideas without discussion; it must also include improved participation in the building of agreements. In this regard, we welcome the deepening and strengthening of activities such as the holding of timely meetings with TCCs prior to the renewal of mandates, pursuant to resolution 1353 (2001). We see ample room for improvement in this area, both in New York and in the missions. Our experience has shown that informal mechanisms have been much more productive. First of all, we underscore the case of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti, in which the existence of an active informal coalition of countries that are closely involved with and committed to the success of the Mission makes a decisive contribution to ensuring that the leading TCCs on the ground can participate directly and substantively in the most relevant discussions on the development of this peacekeeping operation, including on mandate extension. Secondly, we find the triangular exchanges among the TCCs, the Council and the Secretariat in the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations to be extremely useful from a practical point of view. I take this opportunity to commend the efforts of the delegation of Nigeria as Chair of the Working Group, not to mention our gratitude to Japan for the enormous work it carried out in 2009 and 2010. Such interaction is valuable if carried out in a frank and open way - not as an opportunity to express dissatisfaction but as a constructive exercise to avert threats, correct weaknesses, promote strengths and take advantage of opportunities. Turning to the issue of capacities, we believe that missions as complex as those demanding our greatest attention today cannot be sustainable without serious consideration of the resources needed for their adequate functioning and without updating the conditions offered by the system for making human and material resources available to the United Nations. That issue particularly affects developing countries, which provide the great majority of troops, since it influences the viability of their participation in peacekeeping operations. To conclude, I would like to state that this year we are seeing tough and extensive negotiations within the framework of the Working Group on Contingent- Owned Equipment and in the second resumed session of the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly in order to approve the budget for peacekeeping operations. We must express our satisfaction that in both cases an increase was ultimately achieved, which, while modest, will certainly be preserved, extended and periodically updated, even if through General Assembly resolution 63/285, by a working group or another mechanism, so as not to put at risk the participation of TCCs in the important undertaking of maintaining peace in the world.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Slovenia.

Ms. Leskovar (Slovenia): At the outset, I would like to join others and express my Government's strong condemnation of today's heinous attacks on United Nations House in Abuja. We would like to convey our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to the people and Government of Nigeria, the whole United Nations family and, in particular, the families and friends of the victims. Slovenia would like to express its appreciation to the Indian presidency of the Security Council for organizing today's open debate on the issue of peacekeeping and to commend it for the invaluable role that India plays as one of the leading troop contributors in this respect. We would like to thank Secretary- General Ban Ki-Moon for his remarks. At the same time, we also wish to take this opportunity to thank former Under-Secretary-General Alain Le Roy for his vision, courage and determination during a period of extraordinary challenges for the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), which he has led so skilfully over the past three years. Slovenia fully aligns itself with the statement to be delivered on behalf of the European Union. Peacekeeping, which was not foreseen in the Charter of the United Nations - as the useful concept note (S/2011/496, annex) that India drafted for this meeting reminds us - has developed into a flagship activity of the United Nations. Over the past decades, we have witnessed the changing character of peacekeeping. Today, peacekeepers work in extremely difficult conditions, often risking their lives. At times they have a nearly impossible mission, trying to maintain peace between warring factions with no peace agreement in place, without adequate numbers, with insufficient training and inadequate equipment, and lacking the quality of leadership and civilian expertise that they require. Yet we should give United Nations forces great credit for providing security to war-torn countries and for assisting people whose livelihoods have been washed away by floods or ruined by deadly earthquakes. The presence of the United Nations on the ground helps to prevent the escalation of confrontations and paves the way for the peaceful settlement of disputes. Peacekeepers save and protect the lives of millions of civilians and provide much- needed order, stability and hope. Peacekeeping operations are the expression of a global partnership and the international community's commitment. We strongly commend the dedication of the United Nations soldiers, police officers and civilian and aid workers who do the hard work, facing danger around the world. As we mark the eighth anniversary of the Canal Hotel bombing, we should pay tribute and never forget the sacrifice of those who gave their lives to help save others. As the complexity of peacekeeping operations has increased over the years, we must all join forces to ensure that United Nations peacekeeping adapts and adjusts to meet new and emerging challenges. At the same time, it is expected that the demands of individual United Nations peacekeeping missions will further grow. Building on the progress achieved by the Brahimi report (S/2000/809), launched 11 years ago, and the recent New Horizon Initiative, we need to pursue reforms that will make current and future operations more effective. Peacekeeping missions require clear mandates. Peacekeepers deserve practical and updated guidance based on lessons learned. Such guidance would enable them to implement their mandates to protect civilians effectively and would provide better support to host Governments, which bear the primary responsibility for protecting their citizens. Such clear guidance will also help them to use appropriate tactics when facing various threats and challenges on the ground. However, that is the task of all mission components, not uniformed personnel alone. Therefore, closer interaction among the military, police and civilian dimensions of missions is essential, as it could facilitate efficient strategies for the essential peacebuilding role that peacekeepers play in contemporary operations. Peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding are tools that should be deployed in an integrated fashion. We must continue to evolve towards a more flexible architecture of response that allows us to customize our assistance to the immediate and real needs on the ground. Slovenia would like to emphasize the significance of the civilian capacity review and its wide-ranging recommendations aimed at strengthening international civilian support for post-conflict countries. We have to make better use of the capacity of regional and subregional organizations and further strengthen the United Nations partnership with them. We must seize the political momentum generated by the 2010 Peacebuilding Commission review (S/2010/393, annex), empower the Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund, and promote greater coherence among the many components of the United Nations system that make up the peacebuilding mosaic. The challenging mandates assigned to peacekeeping missions require appropriate resources and adequate equipment to be implemented effectively. As regards the planning and monitoring of peacekeeping missions, we believe there is still room for the further strengthening of the planning and assessment process, particularly by increasing the involvement of those countries contributing their forces. Slovenia welcomes regular communication among the Security Council, the troop- and police- contributing countries, the Secretariat and other stakeholders and encourages even more cooperation. Likewise, we support the proposal of even more frequent briefings by Force Commanders. In implementing the global field support strategy, which was designed to provide more predictable, secure and flexible logistic support to contingents on the ground, we must take into account the advice of our women and men serving in the missions. That becomes increasingly important in the wake of the global financial and economic crisis, which constraints all national budgets. The Blue Helmets have recorded many achievements in the past and recently, and United Nations peacekeepers deserve greater recognition for their service in Liberia, East Timor, Haiti, Lebanon, the Sudan and Cote d'Ivoire, to mention just a few examples. In Cote d'Ivoire, without the presence of the United Nations operation, the post-election violence earlier this year would have been much worse. In the Sudan, the United Nations mission played a crucial role in making the peaceful referendum on the self- determination of South Sudan possible. However, disturbing reports from Southern Kordofan, especially regarding the deliberate attacks and other gross violations against the innocent Nuba people, should be of strong concern to the international community. Slovenia celebrated the twentieth anniversary of its independence two months ago. Next May, two decades will have passed since our country of 2 million people became a United Nations Member. Recognizing the importance of peacekeeping, Slovenia began contributing servicemen to United Nations operations immediately after joining the Organization. Since then, more than 5,000 Slovenian peacekeepers have been deployed to United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world as a demonstration of our unwavering commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security. My delegation would also like to highlight the important role of women in peace and security. The integration of the gender perspective in all stages and sectors of peacekeeping and peace-related activities is of vital importance to the successful outcome of peacekeeping efforts. We commend the DPKO and contributing Member States for their dedication to gender mainstreaming and we encourage them to continue to promote the cause of women. Those efforts must be accompanied by increased protection of the most vulnerable - girls and women - especially from sexual violence. Slovenia strongly supports the measures taken to establish and implement a zero- tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse. We call on all peacekeeping personnel to act in full compliance with that policy. Let me close by saying that we must also expand our work on conflict prevention, in particular to improve our ability to read the warning signs and trigger early action. We believe that, in an increasingly interdependent and complex world, every country has to bear its share of global responsibility. Slovenia stands ready to assume its share and to engage even more in the maintenance of international peace and security, fully, fairly and without delay.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Peru.

Mr. Gutierrez (Peru) (spoke in Spanish): Allow me to take a few moments to share the communique just issued by the Peruvian Foreign Office regarding the recent events in Nigeria. It indicates that Peru firmly condemns the car-bomb attack on the United Nations facility in Abuja, Nigeria. Criminal acts like that of today, which caused the deaths of nearly 20 people, cannot be tolerated, particularly when they target United Nations staff, working devotedly day-in and day-out for international peace and development. Expressing its solidarity with the victims, their families and the United Nations, the Government of Peru urges the relevant authorities to do everything in their power to bring to justice those responsible for such a heinous crime. Regarding the matter before us today, my delegation would like to thank you, Sir, for having convened and organized this debate, offering us the opportunity to speak on a matter to which Peru is deeply committed. We are also grateful for the concept paper from the President of the Council (S/2011/496, annex). We also join in the thanks expressed to the Secretary-General for his contribution to today's debate. As indicated in the concept paper prepared by the delegation of India, peacekeeping operations have become a core instrument of the Organization in fulfilling its primary responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. These are multidimensional operations involving military, civilian and police personnel. We have accordingly seen an increase in their number, in the diversity of the tasks assigned to them, and in the risks they face. Yet the resources allocated to them have not increased proportionately to their tasks and the risks they face. That is why this debate is important to preparing for the future of peacekeeping operations. That involves not just the provision of appropriate human, logistic and financial resources, but also the harmonization of operational concepts to establish clear guidelines and procedures. Such preparation is of the greatest importance, and my delegation believes that we are very far behind in providing for the needs of the peacekeeping operations. I believe it is important to emphasize the participation of the troop- and police-contributing countries. Peru is of the opinion that we need close interaction and greater understanding among the Security Council, the Secretariat and the troop- contributing countries so that clear, realistic and achievable mandates can be drawn up and available resources used most efficiently. As recommended by the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations in its most recent report (A/65/ 19), there must be full consultations with troop- and police-contributing countries so that they can participate from the outset in all aspects and stages of peacekeeping operations, especially when changes are made to the mandates of missions. That is important in allowing lessons learned to be assimilated and the experience and technical knowledge of the troop- and police-contributing countries to be brought to bear on the planning and organizing of the missions through a triangular cooperation. As early as 2000, the Brahimo report (S/2000/809) identified the most pressing challenges to be faced and noted that the keys to the success of a multidimensional mission are the commitment and political support of the parties involved, rapid and effective deployment with enhanced capacity, and a peacebuilding strategy. Although we have made progress on those elements, much still remains to be done, particularly given the changing international context and the fact that mandates are increasingly complex and sensitive, as are the basic principles of action for peacekeeping operations. We have to ask whether we are meeting these requirements when we draw up the mandates for peacekeeping operations - for example, when they are entrusted with the task of protecting civilians - or when a full assessment is made of the circumstances and capacity to deter and respond in legitimate self- defence or in defence of the mandate. In resolution 1894 (2009), the Security Council reaffirmed its practice of drawing up reference parameters to evaluate the progress of the implementation of peacekeeping mission mandates, including protection of civilians mandates. Such parameters, along with the guidelines and strategic frameworks being drawn up in various areas, are important elements, and we must work still harder to achieve a consensus that can be reflected in operations in the field. It is similarly important to recall that the majority of peacekeeping operations carry out the earliest peacebuilding operations. In September 2010, 10 of the 16 peacekeeping operations had mandates covering a wide variety of peacebuilding operations, including the direct implementation of such tasks by mission personnel. That reveals the links and interactive dynamic among achieving, maintaining and building peace. Those aspects must therefore be provided for in the mandates and resources allocated to peacekeeping operations. In concluding, I wish to underscore the importance Peru attributes to preventive diplomacy in peacekeeping operations and in the Peacebuilding Commission. It is of the greatest importance that we develop and implement measures that will permit us to prevent conflict and reduce the risk of conflict flaring up or recurring. The Secretary-General has reiterated that point on many occasions, as did the Brahimi report; the presidency of the Council reiterated it in July. There remains an urgent need to establish strategies and an effective system for conflict prevention in the long term. That will require a holistic approach, taking into account the relational dynamic between security and development - an integrated, coherent approach to the work of achieving, keeping and building peace.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Malaysia.

Mr. Haniff (Malaysia): At the outset, allow me to thank you, Mr. President, for having organized this debate today. It comes at a time when the United Nations is facing multiple challenges in its peacekeeping operations all over the world. My delegation wishes to align itself with the statement made by the representative of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. I also wish to thank the Secretary-General for his participation in and contribution to this debate. Malaysia joins other delegations in condemning the terrorist attack on the United Nations office in Abuja, Nigeria, this morning, and wishes to offer our condolences to the families of the victims. Malaysia's involvement in United Nations peacekeeping operations began as early as 1960, only three years after we became independent, with our participation in the United Nations Operation in the Congo. To date, Malaysia has participated in 24 United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world, and in NATO-led operations. That record clearly reflects Malaysia's firm commitment to and belief in the central role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security, and its conviction that United Nations peacekeeping operations are an indispensable instrument that has contributed immensely to the resolution of many armed conflicts, both within and among States. It is for those reasons that Malaysia currently has a total of 1,151 military and police personnel serving in various capacities in seven peacekeeping missions. We also recognize the significant on-the-job experience gained by Malaysian Armed Forces personnel through their participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations. The opportunity to operate in an international environment with forces from other Member States, exposed to different doctrines and geographic terrain, provides valuable lessons for Malaysia's troops. That international exposure has contributed to enhancing the professionalism of Malaysian Armed Forces personnel. In that connection, my delegation fully supports the various initiatives of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support aimed at further improving the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of peacekeeping operations and the well-being of United Nations peacekeepers and staff members. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement, including by enhancing transparency in the work of these two important Departments. In light of the many challenges confronting United Nations peacekeeping operations, we see the importance of being clear on the mandate concerning the protection of civilians in regions affected by armed conflict. That mandate is necessary in order to prevent the unnecessary loss of innocent lives. But the international community must be reminded that the principal responsibility to protect civilians still lies with national Governments. More importantly, United Nations peacekeepers mandated to protect civilians in regions affected by armed conflict must be guided by the principle of impartiality in discharging their duties. In that regard, Malaysia is concerned about the gaps in implementing mandates for the protection of civilians - a concern that has recently been echoed by some force commanders. Malaysia therefore reiterates that the Security Council should ensure that mandates on the protection of civilians must be clear and precise, and that missions must also be provided with the required key enablers in order to implement the mandated tasks effectively and efficiently. My delegation is also aware that there are resource gaps in peacekeeping missions. I urge that the funds represented by an annual budget of $8 billion be utilized in a more efficient and transparent manner, and that countries with the ability to contribute more not shy away from providing more resources. While the Secretariat has launched the global field support strategy in order to address these issues, my delegation appeals to those countries that have the means to continue to contribute generously to the much-needed key enablers in order to allow peacekeepers to conduct their work successfully. By the same token, we also wish to express our concern about the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers globally, given the rising numbers of casualties in recent months. We are also concerned about delays in the evacuation of wounded peacekeepers, as witnessed recently. Such delays can lead to the loss of precious lives. My delegation therefore urges the relevant authorities to facilitate quick and uninterrupted medical evacuation and access to medical care for wounded peacekeepers, who have made sacrifices to bring peace and stability to the world. Malaysia is encouraged by the important role that peacekeeping missions play in the process of peacebuilding. Time and again, peacekeepers are referred to as "early peacebuilders". In that regard, Malaysia will continue to uphold its commitment to the attainment of global peace and stability, which will enable countries to focus their resources on the pursuit of economic and social development for the well-being of their peoples. With that in mind, all of our personnel deployed in any United Nations peacekeeping mission will always try to reach out to win the hearts and minds of the local populace through quick-impact projects. At the national level, Malaysia has always provided assistance to countries in need through Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme initiatives, with the aim of contributing to nation-building in affected countries. In addition, Malaysia has always encouraged its business community to invest in developing countries, helping to provide more jobs and wealth creation, particularly in countries affected by conflict. In order to ensure that our peacekeepers are well trained and ready to perform the duties required of them, the Malaysian Government established its own Peacekeeping Training Centre in 1996. The Centre not only provides training for Malaysians but is also open to foreign participants. In January 2010, it hosted the eleventh United Nations Senior Mission Leaders course, in which 24 participants from 20 countries, representing military, police and civilian institutions, attended a 14-day course. We will continue to upgrade the Centre's facilities, as well as the quality of the training provided, based on United Nations best practices and the experience that we have gained over the past 51 years in United Nations peacekeeping missions. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Malaysia's firm and continuing support for peacekeeping activities under the umbrella of the United Nations, and that the United Nations can continue to count on Malaysia's direct contribution in this important area in future.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Kyrgyzstan.

Mr. Kydyrov (Kyrgyzstan): Kyrgyzstan shares the sentiments of the Secretary-General and others and expresses its deep condolences to the victims and families of the United Nations workers in Nigeria, and to the people and Government of Nigeria. Kyrgyzstan strongly condemns the attacks there today. Let me thank you, Sir, for having organized this open debate on the topical subject of United Nations peacekeeping activities. Representatives of the Kyrgyz Republic began participating in United Nations peacekeeping missions in 1998 as military observers and civilian police. Every year since then, we have sent about 30 servicemen and officers from our law- enforcement organizations to peacekeeping missions, mainly in the States of the African continent. Given that almost three-quarters of United Nations peacekeeping personnel and budget allotments are used in that region, Kyrgyzstan supports the proposal to strengthen the peacekeeping capacity of the African Union. In recent years, along with its experience participating in peacekeeping missions, Kyrgyzstan has gained invaluable experience in the fields of preventive diplomacy, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction during its two people's revolutions, particularly in the fight against terrorism and in combating drug trafficking. As a country ever striving for greater democracy, we are therefore ready to expand our participation in peacekeeping activities in their current forms and within the broad mandate of contributing to the maintenance of peace and security. Today, the potential of United Nations peacekeeping activity has significantly increased both quantitatively and qualitatively, and thus demands a comprehensive approach to peacebuilding and to strengthening the partnership between the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Secretariat, the countries that send peacekeepers, and host States. It is important that we have an organic system of military, diplomatic and other measures for resolving conflicts. And this will undoubtedly need additional measures in order to develop and implement better mechanisms for mobilizing the resources that peacekeeping operations require. Only then can we expect to see improved effectiveness in peacekeeping and peacebuilding activities. The significant growth in the role and scope of peacekeeping operations and their expanded functions require the enhanced effectiveness of regional and subregional organizations. Given the experience of last year's tragic events in Kyrgyzstan, we believe it is important that, along with traditional partners like the African Union and the European Union, the United Nations foster increased cooperation with other regional organizations. In particular, we refer to the Collective Security Treaty Organization in order to enhance the effectiveness of mediation and the peaceful settlement of possible disputes in the region. One of the important lessons which Kyrgyzstan has learned concerns the need to clarify the legal framework for international cooperation, including in the mandates of regional organizations and in non-standard situations. On the other hand, measures taken at the national level must serve as a necessary component. For example, Kyrgyzstan will make additional efforts towards the legislative regulation of peacekeeping activity at the national level. Currently, a draft law on principles and modalities for the participation of the Kyrgyz Republic in the activities of maintaining international peace and security is being elaborated. The law defines certain basic concepts for the first time, including the components of peacekeeping activity of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the order of formation and deployment of peacekeepers outside the country. It eliminates legal gaps and creates the necessary legal mechanisms. Kyrgyzstan is also in favour of improving the planning system and expanding programmes on the targeted training of peacekeeping personnel, especially relating to promoting women to relevant positions in United Nations peacekeeping missions. We see that as another reserve for strengthening United Nations peacekeeping capacity.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines.

Mr. Cabactulan (Philippines): Before I deliver my statement, I wish to state that the Philippines joins other Member States in strongly condemning the bombing of the United Nations office in Abuja, and expresses its deep condolences over the United Nations personnel and Nigerian citizens who perished, as well as those who were seriously injured in that horrific attack. The Philippine delegation would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this timely and important open debate on the present and future of United Nations peacekeeping operations. As a country committed to committing troops and police to various United Nations peacekeeping missions, the Philippines highly values this opportunity to engage the Security Council in meaningful discussion on the challenges we face and ways to collectively resolve them. The Philippines aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. My delegation likewise expresses its appreciation for the briefing by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, which set the tone of our debate today. We also welcome the heightened interaction and dialogue among other key stakeholders of the global peacekeeping agenda, including the Secretariat, the General Assembly and troop- and police-contributing countries. One concrete example of such productive interaction has been the recently held informal meeting between the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations and the heads of military components. As we listened intently to the Force Commanders of 16 United Nations peacekeeping missions, we derived relevant and useful insights, learned critical lessons and figured out ways on how best to move forward. We thank the Department of Peacekeeping Operations for having organized the meeting, and look forward to further interactions with our men and women in the field and to seeing the recommendations generated during those interactions transformed into concrete action. Philippine participation in peacekeeping missions dates back 48 years to the deployment of a 40-man Air Force squadron to the Congo. Since then, the Philippines has modestly contributed to various peacekeeping missions in fulfilment of its international commitment to maintaining international peace and security. Despite its limited resources, the Philippines strives to find ways and means to assist the United Nations by contributing troops and police officers to existing and emerging missions. I am pleased to highlight that my country is playing an active part in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force, under the leadership of our very own Major General Natalio Ecarma III, in which a 344-strong Filipino contingent is deployed. At present, the Philippines is strengthening its own peacekeeping mechanisms and charting a new road map to allow it to increase the number of its peacekeepers and expand its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations in the near future. Today, the Philippines has the modest number of 893 military and police personnel serving in seven peacekeeping operations around the world. I wish to highlight that 10 per cent of our peacekeepers are women - a figure which will surely increase in the years ahead. The Philippines is a strong partner of the United Nations in the promotion of women's active involvement and participation in peacekeeping. We fully support the idea of integrating the gender perspective in the deployment of peacekeeping personnel, and continue to play our part in putting that into practice. The Philippines strongly advocates the continuous training and development of peacekeepers to strengthen the effectiveness and success of their missions. To this end, the Philippines successfully hosted the first training of trainers in the Asian region in June in Manila. Participants from 13 countries were trained to present the new United Nations police standardized training curriculum on preventing and investigating sexual and gender-based crimes to police officers, in preparation for their deployment to a field mission. The training-of-trainers course is specifically designed for the post-conflict environment and ensures that United Nations police officers will have the required knowledge of procedure and the skills necessary to assist their counterparts in the host State in preventing and investigating sexual crimes and gender-based violence throughout the investigation, prosecution and trial processes. The Philippines is satisfied with the achievements made by the United Nations thus far, and would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the courageous and dedicated men and women serving under the blue and white flag of the United Nations. The Philippines is especially mindful of the sacrifices made by our peacekeepers, especially those who are deployed under harsh and hostile conditions, and salutes all those who have given their lives to the cause of peace. At the same time, the Philippines acknowledges and appreciates the continued efforts made by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support to keep us abreast of developments in the field of peacekeeping and to fully address the increasing demand for peacekeepers worldwide, despite countless challenges and difficulties. Based on its experience as an active troop- and police-contributing country, the Philippines notes that the surge in and increased demand for peacekeepers are not often matched by the capabilities and resources necessary to meet our peacekeeping commitments. This is not only a budgetary problem, but also involves the careful and methodical planning and effective execution of the mandates conferred by the Security Council. It is imperative that we continue to find ways and means to ensure the safety and protection of our peacekeepers. Hence, we must ensure that they are adequately armed and equipped to enhance their capacity to protect themselves in high-risk areas. The Philippines believes that the solution to the challenges lies in our collective will and action. As we implement the peacekeeping reform agenda, the extensive experiences we have gained on the ground could enrich discussions on vital areas such as policy and capability development, global field support strategies, and planning and oversight. There is no silver bullet that will solve the complicated and risky operation of peacekeeping, but through hard work, perseverance and wise decisions we can always improve the utilization of our scarce resources and apply our collective experiences to ensuring the successful deployment of peacekeepers and the completion of their mission. In closing, let me reiterate my country's full cooperation with the Security Council, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support, and once again manifest our unwavering commitment to helping maintain international peace and security and to preventing the escalation of conflict at various points across the globe.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Canada.

Mr. Rivard (Canada): I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for this opportunity to contribute to the Council's deliberations on the challenges facing contemporary United Nations peacekeeping operations. For Canada, this is an issue of primary importance. Let me first acknowledge the sacrifices of those who serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations, including the men and women who have lost their lives in the cause of peace this past year. United Nations personnel continually rise to meet new challenges with professionalism and dedication amid difficult and often dangerous conditions. Today's bomb attack outside the main United Nations office in Abuja reminded us again of the sacrifices made and challenges faced by the brave women and men who work for peace and security. We condemn this terrorist attack on the United Nations and we extend our sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Nigeria. Indeed, the United Nations efforts have contributed to a number of key successes over the past year. These include the peaceful conduct of the referendum on the future status of Southern Sudan and the re-establishment of public services and security in Haiti after the earthquake, followed by the peaceful conclusion of Haiti's presidential elections. This said, United Nations personnel continue to be tested by the complex operational environments in which they work. These environments are often characterized by multidimensional challenges and asymmetric threats requiring an agile response from our personnel. There remain a number of critical issues facing contemporary peace operations. I would like to focus my remarks today on three issues of particular relevance to the Security Council: responding to the gap in expectations, generating capabilities, and building a comprehensive doctrinal framework. First, let me address the issue of expectations. Peacekeeping forces are called upon time and again to perform a wide range of mandated tasks, from protecting civilians in the lingering violence of post-conflict settings to monitoring elections and capacity-building of national security elements. Such tasks require mandates and forces designed for flexibility, responsiveness and mobility - in short, military, police and civilian personnel fully able to adapt to changing conditions on the ground. Unfortunately, complex mandates are often not matched with either sufficient or the most appropriate capacities. We must also acknowledge that there will always be limits to the sources of personnel and funds needed to meet all of the needs that we believe should be addressed. The Council must wisely balance the expectations laid out in its mandates with the realities of what can be readily achieved with the capabilities available. The Council must also recognize that the complex challenges typical of these environments require solutions that cannot be realized in the short- term. Complex mandates therefore demand personnel who are well trained and well equipped, are devoted to missions, and have the full flexibility to be employed across the spectrum of tasks and the breadth of the field of operations, as the mission leadership requires. We should note the recommendations contained in the report (S/2011/85) of the Senior Advisory Group on civilian capacities appointed by the Secretary General, which lays out some proposals for the recruitment, training, deployment and coordination of expertise across United Nations missions. In order for personnel to achieve the agility required to carry out ever more complex mandates, all Member States must assume responsibility for the expectations these mandates create. This includes host Governments, which must bear their share of responsibility for ensuring that the mission achieves the results that the population needs. These expectations can only be managed effectively if the Security Council ensures that, from the earliest planning stages, there is a meaningful dialogue between the Council, Member States - in particular troop- and police-contributing countries and host Governments - and the Secretariat. (spoke in French) Secondly, producing the desired effect within multidimensional missions demands adequate capabilities. The New Horizon initiative rightly focuses on improving capabilities, streamlining and increasing effectiveness at the level of Headquarters and in the field. These two elements are complementary. Member States also need to ensure that the achievement of the major objectives of the New Horizon initiative is maintained so that, in the mid-term, the United Nations can effectively generate the capabilities needed to deliver the more complex and diverse responsibilities within existing budgetary capacities. Thirdly, progress has been made in developing policy doctrine and norms for peacekeeping personnel, but much work still lies ahead to build a solid doctrinal framework for all personnel. Without this, effective recruitment standards and pre-deployment training and the matching of capabilities with assignments cannot follow. The international community can ill afford to fail in sustaining efforts to standardize practices, streamline management, deepen expertise and clarify roles and responsibilities within the United Nations system and with partners. Achieving sustainability in operations depends upon such accountability. Moreover, the challenges facing peacekeeping missions continue to evolve. Without the revised framework for peacekeeping that New Horizon proposes, there is a danger of a widening disconnect between the Council's response to emerging, unexpected challenges, and the tools and capabilities available. In closing let me underscore that we, the States Members of the United Nations, must find common approaches to strengthen all facets of peace operations. Canada remains committed to this end.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Uganda.

Mr. Kafeero (Uganda): Like other delegations, Uganda condemns the attack today on the United Nations building in Abuja, Nigeria. We express our deep sympathy and condolences to the victims, their families, and the people and Government of Nigeria and, through the Secretary General, to the United Nations family. I thank you, Sir, for organizing this important debate and the concept note (S/2011/496, annex) prepared to help steer today's discussions. We thank the Secretary-General for his informative briefing this morning. This debate comes at a time when United Nations peacekeeping is being put to the test by new challenges to global peace and security. Addressing these challenges requires a more concerted and comprehensive approach at all levels if the United Nations is to meet the present and future challenges. Uganda acknowledges the important contributions that peacekeeping operations have continued to make to the cardinal role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security. The United Nations has attained successes in many areas, but there have also been a number of setbacks. That is why it is crucial for the Council to continuously evaluate and reflect on whether its peacekeeping approach to conflict situations and the prescribed solutions are correct. I would like to make five points. First, it is important to recognize that an ineffective United Nations peacekeeping capability anywhere around the world greatly hurts the Organization, particularly in the eyes of an affected population. As aptly put in the concept paper, the United Nations needs to address the current mismatch between resources and mandates to address the performance deficit. It is difficult for missions in hostile and dangerous situations to effectively carry out their mandates without the requisite capabilities. It is therefore essential that United Nations peacekeeping be adaptable and effective enough to deal with new challenges. In recent years, we have seen a welcome shift towards more robust United Nations peacekeeping, such as the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. However, that very Mission has until recently lacked vital resources, such as air assets, to fulfil its mandate. Secondly, we are convinced that if peacekeeping operations are to achieve their intended purpose, the root causes of conflicts need to be carefully identified and appropriately addressed at the planning stage. This requires a clear understanding of the situation on the ground. United Nations peacekeeping efforts should support the political resolution of conflict, respect the sovereignty of States, remain impartial and work with all parties to overcome their problems. Thirdly, the relationship between the Security Council and troop-contributing countries is particularly crucial. It is crucial because the political objectives and peacekeeping mandates of missions need to be clear and credible. The mandates of peacekeeping operations should include a range of measurable benchmarks. A stronger understanding between contributing countries and the Council as to what is expected of peacekeeping missions to fulfil these objectives can greatly facilitate the achievement of mission objectives. Uganda therefore welcomes and supports efforts to strengthen cooperation and interaction among all stakeholders in peacekeeping operations. Fourthly, the challenges of modern-day peacekeeping attest to the fact that not even the United Nations on its own is capable of dealing with the new challenges. Given the capabilities demonstrated by regional organizations, such as the African Union and its subregional organizations, the United Nations should take maximum advantage of their strengths and the roles that they can play. This will require the strengthening of strategic relationships with such organizations, consistent with Chapter VIII of the Charter. This will improve the capacity of these organizations to contribute to the efforts of the United Nations in the maintenance of international peace and security. In this regard, Uganda welcomes the support given to the African Union Mission in Somalia in working the stabilization of that country. However, my delegation underscores the importance and urgency of the Security Council providing the Mission with predictable, reliable and timely resources and force enablers in order to fulfil its mandate. Fifthly, the early inclusion of some aspects of peacebuilding, especially socio-economic reconstruction activities, in peacekeeping operations is vital to durable recovery and success. It is important to ensure that people afflicted by conflict get tangible peace dividends through the provision of such basic services as health care, education, shelter and improvement of their standards of living. In this regard, my delegation calls on the United Nations system to ensure greater coherence in peacemaking, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development activities. Finally, Uganda pays tribute to the men and women of the United Nations, many of whom serve in some of the most dangerous places on Earth. We especially remember and honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace.

The President: I call on the representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

Mr. Valero Bricefio (Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela) (spoke in Spanish): We thank the President of the Security Council for having convened this important meeting. Venezuela expresses its disgust at the acts of terrorism carried out against United Nations facilities in Nigeria and the regrettable loss of human life. Our delegation aligns itself with the declaration delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement by the Permanent Representative of Morocco. Peacekeeping operations are valuable tools within the various political resources available to the United Nations to assist in the resolution of conflicts within the framework of its efforts to strengthen international peace and security. The nature of their mandates has recently been subject to an important transformation process. These operations have increased over the past two decades, both in the number of field missions and in the number of troops deployed. Some political and military Powers call for strengthening the persuasive capacity of peacekeeping missions, but what they really want is to undermine the full exercise of sovereignty of the countries involved. The doctrines that certain Powers seek to introduce violate the basic principles of peacekeeping operations, namely, the consent of the parties, impartiality and the non-use of force except in self-defence. Given the current climate of rampant imperialism, which seeks to maintain or regain political and military dominance over developing countries, it is more necessary than ever to safeguard the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of nations. In the light of recent experiences, it is imperative to ensure that peacekeeping operations fulfil the noble purpose for which they were created. It is therefore imperative that, in implementing mission mandates, no threat be posed to their legitimacy and the complex relationship of trust that they must maintain with the countries in which they are deployed. On this basis rests, in large measure, any political process that seeks to achieve ajust and lasting peace. The increase in peacekeeping operations is evidence of the growing tensions and conflicts in the world. Conflict situations will continue to proliferate so long as the structural situations of poverty, injustice, oppression, exploitation and foreign domination promoted by neo-colonial ambitions persist. Since we are talking today about peacekeeping and conflict resolution, we would like to refer to the assault perpetrated against the accredited embassy and diplomatic residency of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Libya on 23 August by an armed and violent mob, causing extensive damage to its facilities and endangering the lives of the people who were there. As they publicly proclaimed, the irrational assailants had planned to assassinate the accredited Venezuelan Ambassador, Mr. Afif Tajeldine. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela deplores the fact that those responsible for these criminal actions answer to the self-styled National Transitional Council which, with irrational stubbornness, has criticized Venezuela's firm position in defence of international law, expressed by its respect for the sovereignty and self-determination of the Libyan people. It is well known that the National Transitional Council is protected by the United States of America and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela denounces these countries for seeking to seize the invaluable water resources, hydrocarbon reserves and international assets of the Libyan people, which amount to some $200 billion dollars. Following the destruction of one of the best infrastructures on the African continent, built for the welfare of the Libyan people, the aggressor Powers have begun to redistribute among themselves, through acts of pillage, the lucrative contracts for the reconstruction of that country, thus turning the destruction of a developing country into an immoral business transaction. Resolution 1973 (2011) established that the sovereignty and territorial unity and integrity of Libya must be respected. Who authorized the killing of thousands of civilians in Libya in the name of defending civilians? Who authorized the destruction of civilian facilities, such as schools, hospitals and universities, in that country? The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela declares that arming, training and supporting internal subversive groups in Libya, promoting and financing a regime change, ordering the assassination of the leader of a sovereign nation, and attacking the territorial integrity and political independence of Libya are clear and systematic violations of the now unspeakable resolution 1973 (2011) and the Charter of the United Nations, undermining the fundamental principles and norms of international law. At this tragic, historic time when international peace and security are threatened, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reiterates its call on all the parties to the conflict in the Libyan Arab J amahiriya to establish an immediate ceasefire that allows for negotiations towards reaching a political solution in order to avoid further bloodshed and that lays the foundations for a lasting peace in that sister nation, under the good offices that the African Union has proposed since the beginning of the conflict. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reaffirms that it recognizes only the Government led by Muammar Al-Qadhafi and that it will not recognize any Government set up in Libya as a result of that interventionist imperialist aggression. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has requested the Secretary-General to condemn the violation of the sovereignty of the homeland of the liberator Simon Bolivar and to reiterate the international obligation to guarantee the inviolability of diplomatic missions accredited to the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya.

The President: I now give the floor to the observer of the European Union.

Mr. Vrailas (European Union): I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union (EU). The candidate countries Turkey, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Montenegro; the countries of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia; the European Free Trade Association country Liechtenstein, member of the European Economic Area; as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration. We were deeply saddened by the loss of life in the brutal attack on the United Nations building in Abuja today. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of the victims, the Secretary- General, our United Nations colleagues and the Government and the people of Nigeria. The European Union strongly condemns that senseless act of violence towards the United Nations and its personnel. The answer to the question of whether peacekeeping works is a clear and resounding "yes". That is the conclusion of one of the many studies in the recent past to have sung the praises of peacekeeping. Bringing in peacekeepers reduces the risk of war recurring by no less than 84 per cent, according to factual evidence cited in that particular study. It is definitely a fact that we cannot take such a success rate for granted. Peacekeeping needs to keep up with a world constantly changing and the partnership underpinning it needs constant nurturing. That is why the EU would like to thank Council President India, a major troop-contributing country, for having organized today's debate. It represents an important opportunity to take stock and prepare for the future, to paraphrase the useful concept note before us (S/2011/496, annex). In the future, the United Nations can continue to count on the EU's unwavering support for peacekeeping. The United Nations and the EU see eye to eye on crisis management, with a vision of all instruments - political, civilian and military - being mobilized in the interest of peace. Aside from the considerable direct support of the EU and its member States, our own EU missions buttress the United Nations peacekeeping efforts, depending on the strategic context and situation. Such EU missions come in different shapes and sizes, for example stand-alone, bridging and stand-by operations. Peacekeeping stands or fails by the partnership among the Security Council, General Assembly bodies, contributing countries, host parties, regional and other partners and the Secretariat. To act in the spirit of partnership means, for example, that the Security Council involves contributing countries as early and as much as possible. It means that we all work to preserve a culture of consensus decision-making, where it exists, and the commitment of all partners to the objective of financially realistic and field-driven peacekeeping. I say "field-driven" because our men and women on the ground are often a few steps ahead of us, as we saw during last month's useful meetings of the Security Council (see S/PV.6592) and Committee of Thirty Four (C-34) with Force Commanders. Whether we are talking about robust peacekeeping, the protection of civilians, early peacebuilding, implementation of the women and peace and security agenda, or the better use of intelligence for early warning, they know what it takes to get the job done. The EU supports the proposal of more regular contact with Force Commanders via video link. Such contact offers all of us at the Headquarters level a chance to learn how we can adapt, for example, peacekeeping doctrine, policy documents and training modules, including on the implementation of protection mandates, to make for a better fit with the field. Aside from taking stock, we would like mostly to use today's debate to prepare for the future. Allow me to briefly touch upon a number of current challenges. First of all, we must further clarify and concretize the peacekeeping-peacebuilding nexus. Now that, after years of expansion, peacekeeping seems headed towards a consolidation phase, this is a policy area that demands our attention. Last year's New Horizon progress report rightly highlighted that. Peacekeeping operations can help national authorities and other partners to set peacebuilding priorities, facilitate their implementation by providing security, and take on some early peacebuilding tasks themselves. However, as the C-34 stressed this year, we need clarity and our peacekeepers need clarity. From the earliest stages of planning onward, they need to know exactly what is expected of them in that field and what is not. The EU hopes that the upcoming strategy for critical early peacebuilding tasks undertaken by peacekeeping operations will contribute to that. Of course, we also look to the Peacebuilding Commission to continue to play its role in further clarifying and concretizing the peacekeeping-peacebuilding nexus. A closely related challenge is the implementation of the recommendations of the comprehensive review of international civilian capacities (S/2011/85). Civilian aspects of peacekeeping operations, such as election monitoring, police reform and support for the promotion and protection of human rights, have proven to be instrumental to mission performance. Recruiting civilian specialists for those newer peacekeeping tasks was identified as a particular challenge in the New Horizon report, and the comprehensive review came up with many ways in which we could rise to that challenge. Quite a few of the recommendations could be implemented without delay, and the EU encourages the Secretariat to do so. Other recommendations may require further elaboration, and we look forward to the upcoming report of the Secretary-General to flesh them out. The EU has ample experience in that field through our Common Security Defence Policy operations, and we are ready to share it, while systematically seeking synergies with the United Nations. Besides civilian capacities, we also need to secure military capabilities, including critical equipment. That is the third and last challenge that the EU would like to briefly highlight today. These days, a peacekeeper needs more than a blue helmet. As we can read in the New Horizon report, "new peacekeeping tasks demand new equipment, from night vision and modern communication equipment to naval vessels". In that regard, we know that there is a pressing need for military helicopters, especially where the area of operations is vast and the infrastructure limited. The urgency of the matter at hand calls for pragmatic and swift solutions, and the EU looks forward to studying and discussing the Secretariat's forthcoming proposals. More generally, whether it concerns civilian capacities or military capabilities, the EU continues to support the Secretariat's ongoing efforts to put in place a comprehensive, capability-driven approach to peacekeeping. Of course, making peacekeeping more effective is about more than ensuring that the different pieces of the puzzle are on the table. They also have to fit together. In other words, we need to work hard on close cooperation among the civilian, military and police components of a mission, including through clear doctrine and comprehensive strategic and operational planning. Before I close, the EU would like to pay tribute to our men and women on the ground, serving in peacekeeping missions around the world, some of whom have paid the ultimate price in the pursuit of peace. Earlier this month, we sadly lost four peacekeepers of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei. We hope that the results of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances of their deaths will soon be considered. Finally, the EU wants to thank former Under- Secretary-General Le Roy for his dedication and determination. It wishes him all the best as he sets sights on new horizons.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Bangladesh.

Mr. Rahman (Bangladesh): Let me begin by joining other colleagues in condemning in the strongest possible terms this morning's deadly attack on the United Nations building in Abuja. The people and Government of Bangladesh stand by the people and Government of Nigeria, as well as the members of the United Nations family, at this difficult time. My delegation expresses its heartiest congratulations to the Indian delegation on assuming the presidency of the Security Council for the month of August. I also take this opportunity to thank the presidency for focusing this debate on the theme "Peacekeeping: taking stock and preparing for the future" and for sharing with us a thought-provoking concept note (S/2011/496, annex). It amply delineates the priority and importance attached to the cause of international peace, security and stability by the Security Council. Our appreciation is also owed to the Secretary-General and other speakers for their statements. My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by the representative of the Kingdom of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. It hardly requires reiterating that United Nations peacekeeping is a unique and flagship activity of the Organization. The presence of Blue Helmets in the field provides hope of sustainable peace to the victims of conflict, buttresses efforts to achieve peace among world communities, reinvigorates related activities for making peace sustainable, and compels conflicting parties to resort to a peaceful solution. In that regard, we convey our heartfelt gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while working under the United Nations umbrella. However, their sacrifice was not in vain. Mediation and peacekeeping have contributed to an 80 per cent decline in the total number of armed conflicts since the end of the cold war. As the study suggests, 87 per cent of United Nations peacekeeping operations have been successful, as compared to the 50 per cent success rate of other peace operations. Furthermore, United Nations peacekeeping is the most cost effective vis-a-vis that of others. Above all, the opportunity cost of peacekeeping is immeasurable in terms of any financial or other resource standard. It means that United Nations peacekeeping is a must, and that we must ensure proper and effective support services to peacekeeping missions for the effective implementation of their mandates. Peacekeeping has turned out to be a more multidimensional and complex task compared to what it was a few years ago. The future success of a peacekeeping mission will therefore largely depend on the political support that it receives and on the adequate and timely provision of financial, logistical and human resources, as well as the involvement of stakeholders on the ground. In that regard, we reiterate the importance of closer and active involvement with troop-contributing countries (TCCs) and police- contributing countries when deciding on new peacekeeping missions or extending or amending the mandates of current missions. We emphasize the following specific measures for building an effective partnership throughout the whole process, especially at both the decision-making and the implementation levels, for the successful operation of peacekeeping missions in the future. There must be a broader political partnership between the United Nations and the host Government to ensure political support for peacekeeping operations. Effective and inclusive consultation among the Security Council, the Secretariat and the TCCs must be ensured. The views of TCCs must be reflected when deciding mission start-up and in effecting any change in the mandate of existing missions. The initial mandate must be crafted carefully and fully reflect potential TCCs. A specific timeline must be stipulated, in consultation with the TCCs, in finalizing the memorandum of understanding. Any change in operations must be in compliance with the views of those who work in the field. Fair representation of TCCs in the decision-making process within the Secretariat, as well as in the process of implementation, must be ensured. The representational issue of TCCs in the relevant department, such as the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support, must be ensured, as repeatedly requested by the General Assembly. The mandates of peacekeepers must be clear, specific and well defined, supported by adequate resources, with sufficient safety and security, as well as the provision of training. At the operational level, partnership should include the followingzensuring the minimum peace to be kept by the peacekeepers; creating workable conditions for the peacekeepers to operate in; ensuring the necessary coordination among relevant stakeholders and among the United Nations and other bilateral and regional stakeholders; and concerted efforts among the United Nations agencies, funds and programmes and the Bretton Woods institutions in the field. For our part, Bangladesh has played a cardinal role in the maintenance of international peace and security, for which we take a modicum of pride. In that context, I refer to the statement of the Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the general debate of the sixty-fourth session of the General Assembly, in which she said: "Bangladesh is proud of its outstanding role as a major troop-contributing country serving the United Nations in maintaining peace and security worldwide." (A/64/PV.9, p. 24) We have had to brave poor odds and many difficulties and to endure many sacrifices in the process of fulfilling the commitment to international peace and security, as enshrined in our Constitution, which has been a constant source of our motivation and dedication. Since 1988, Bangladesh has been involved in 36 United Nations peacekeeping operations, with approximately 100,000 personnel. Today, Bangladesh is ranked first in the field. With a mix of pride and gratitude, I say that over the years some 103 of our valiant peacekeepers have laid down their invaluable lives for the cause of United Nations-sponsored peace. On this occasion, we pay homage to all peacekeepers from Bangladesh and other TCCs who have made the supreme sacrifice for the noble cause of international peace and prosperity. We also reiterate our firm commitment to continuing our partnership with the United Nations for the maintenance of international peace and security.

The President: I now give the floor to the Permanent Observer of the African Union to the United Nations.

Mr. Antenio (African Union) (spoke in French): Like representatives who have spoken before us, we, too, would like to convey our condolences to Nigeria and to the United Nations following the attack that took place in the historic African city of Abuja. Nigeria is dear to us, including in the area of peacekeeping. This is also an opportunity to congratulate you, Mr. President, on having organized this debate, and to underscore the fact that India is an exemplary reference point in the area of peacekeeping. We pay tribute to the sacrifices made by your fellow citizens in the field, including in Africa. We particularly welcome the fact that in your concept note (S/2011/496, annex), you place special emphasis on the issue of partnership and on the need to enhance the capacities of the African Union. Indeed, in parallel to the efforts that we have made within the African Union to bolster its peace and security architecture, we have also been involved in various consultations within the United Nations that have led to the issuance of relevant documents, Security Council presidential statements and reports, such as that of the joint African Union-United Nations panel (S/2008/813). Here, it is especially important to underscore the excellent relations that we have developed between the African Union Commission and the United Nations Secretariat, which have strengthened certain consultation mechanisms, such as the Joint Task Force on Peace and Security, launched by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and African Union Chairman Jean Ping on 25 September 2010. As Council members will be aware, we have also strengthened consultations between the African Union Peace and Security Council and the Security Council. In that regard, we could further build upon these consultations and strengthen cooperation mechanisms between the two bodies. We are also active in other areas, such as humanitarian assistance, which is a new area of activity for the African Union, thanks to cooperation with United Nations bodies such as the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. It is of note that the African Union recently organized a donors' conference for Somalia, the preparations for which benefited greatly from the capacities we have begun to develop in the area of humanitarian assistance. The African Union organized a retreat last year in Cairo that brought together representatives of the United Nations, the African Union and other countries and organizations, with the aim of achieving more effective coordination and harmonization at the strategic and operational levels. We intend to hold another such event next month in Cairo to continue strengthening the mechanisms for cooperation among the various stakeholders involved in peacekeeping. Initiatives are also under way to build African Union capacities in the area of civilian capacity. As the Council knows, this is an area in which we and the international system have certain weaknesses. We believe that the African Union will, in the near future, have an asset base in the form of a pool of human resources, from which civilian capacity can be deployed on the ground when necessary. On the ground, we have developed a number of practical and innovative approaches to meet peace and security challenges. It is important to emphasize in particular the initial support units and reinforcements authorized by the Security Council. Members will no doubt recall the United Nations Mission in Angola, but we would like to focus on ongoing operations: the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). With regard to AMISOM, we would like first to thank all the partners who have contributed so far to this peacekeeping operation. We would like especially to take this opportunity to reiterate the need for predictable funding in order to effectively carry out the work of that African Union Mission on the ground. In the light of recent developments on the ground, the African Union has been taking stock of the situation. We held a workshop on 17 and 18 August in Addis Ababa to consider how to improve our work, given the tangible results being achieved by African Union forces in Somalia. In the coming months, AMISOM. will therefore focus its efforts on securing Mogadishu in order to create conditions for reconciliation and to facilitate the free movement of international personnel; the implementation, within its limited resources and in a gradual manner, of phase II of the concept of operations; and above all the extension of the authority of the Transitional Federal Government, thereby creating the conditions not only for reconciliation but also for the distribution of humanitarian aid, which is, of course, difficult to do in conditions of insecurity. I would like to focus on the recommendations that emerged from the workshop, to which I would like to draw the attention of the members of the Security Council. First, the deployment of additional troops by contributing countries should be accelerated in order to attain as soon as possible the force level of 12,000 personnel and thereby safeguard the gains made in recent months on the ground. The strengthening of United Nations support is also of great importance, as is the deployment of police to maintain law and order in Mogadishu. Secondly, it was proposed to establish, as an integral part of AMISOM, a guard force to facilitate the deployment of civilian personnel and to ensure the protection of the African Union and United Nations staff in Mogadishu. The personnel of such a force should not be included within the 12,000 personnel authorized by the Security Council. This, in our view, is another aspect which it is important to bear in mind. It is important that any evaluation of progress achieved in peacekeeping to date be accompanied by an analysis of the progress made in the coordination and harmonization, depending on the case, of the decisions taken by our political bodies. In practice, we are all pursuing the same goal: a return to peace and the creation of conditions for lasting security in countries in conflict where peacekeeping operations are deployed. With regard to UNAMID, the African Union closely followed the process that led to the adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2003 (2011), which, among other things, renewed UNAMID's mandate. The Council's adoption of that resolution followed the adoption on 19 July 2011 by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union of a decision whereby it not only requested the renewal of the UNAMID mandate but also underlined the need to launch the Darfur political process on the basis of the progress made in light of the Doha document for peace in Darfur as a means of supporting the progress achieved and ensuring that Darfur take effective ownership of the quest for peace, justice and reconciliation in the region. The African Union is of the view that the questions which arose following our efforts for the resumption of the Darfur process make it clear that there is a need to consider the importance to be attached to the positions of the African Union on the situation in Darfur, as articulated by the relevant political bodies, in particular the Peace and Security Council. Those issues raised by certain members of the Security Council also strengthen the need to bolster mechanisms for coordination in the context of the strategic United Nations-African Union partnership on the peace and security challenges in Africa, of which the African Union remains continuously seized. The African Union therefore calls on all parties concerned to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to respecting the hybrid nature of UNAMID and the implementation of its mandate under the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the decisions of the African Union Peace and Security Council. In practice, we see respect for the hybrid nature of UNAMID as a prerequisite for the effective implementation of the Mission's mandate, which will be a source of inspiration for future endeavours of this sort. As I said at the outset, your delegation, Sir, was correct to underscore that peacekeeping is above all a partnership. I take this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the African Union to continuing to work with the Security Council, the entire United Nations family, Member States and international partners, including non-governmental organizations, which also make great sacrifices on the ground, including in Africa.

The President: I now give the floor to the Permanent Representative of Fiji.

Mr. Thomson (Fiji): Fiji joins those who have spoken before us in condemning the Abuja bombing and in offering our condolences to the Victims and their families. The Fiji delegation would like to thank you, Sir, for having chosen the subject of this thematic debate. It displays a keen sense of relevance and foresight on the part of the Indian presidency. For a country like Fiji, which places United Nations peacekeeping at the centre of its foreign policy, better mutual understanding on this central aspect of the United Nations work is critical. The remarks that follow come from a Pacific small island developing country whose servicemen and servicewomen have for the past three decades worn the blue helmet in United Nations peacekeeping missions in more than 15 troubled countries. In terms of taking stock, it is no secret that peacekeeping is a loss-making undertaking for many troop-contributing countries. For a country like Fiji, the cost of the fair wages we pay our soldiers serving on United Nations peacekeeping missions does not equate to what the United Nations reimburses us; in fact, the United Nations reimbursement falls far short. This is a stock-taking item that requires further introspection by the United Nations. We recognize that the United Nations must cut the cloth to fit the suit. Thus, the United Nations must examine all its options for cost-effectiveness, including decreasing the number of United Nations peacekeepers deployed internationally, encouraging greater South- South and triangular cooperation, allowing more sharing of resources between nearby peacekeeping missions, and instituting better coordination between the United Nations and contributing countries. Turning to preparations for the future, the clear view of the Fiji delegation is that it is humanly possible to resolve the various political conflicts that have preoccupied the world's attention for so long. What is required is the genuine political will of the parties concerned to negotiate and settle. There is a reason these conflicts have to move to speedy settlement. The reason is that if this world body is to fulfil its Charter obligations, it must begin steeling itself for the great security threat of the twenty-first century. We refer not to squabbling neighbours, to long-festering ethnic, tribal or religious feuds, or the geopolitical gamesmanship of the twentieth century; we refer to the looming onslaught of climate change and the geophysical alterations it will bring upon our planet, upon our societies, and perhaps upon life itself. All our human resources - intellectual, economic and political - will be required if we are to handle this ultimate challenge as best we can. And if we care about the welfare of our grandchildren, only our best response will be good enough. We say "our" because it is here at the United Nations that the solutions must be found. This is not a struggle that individual countries can win, for climate change will not respect national boundaries. Rising sea levels may drive some low- lying countries to extinction, while others will have to deal with massive population displacement as the great food-producing deltas go under water. Desertification, ferocious storms and melting ice-caps will disdain national boundaries and similar human constructs. It is for this reason that Fiji and the other Pacific small island developing States spoke up so strongly at last month's thematic debate in the Council on the impact of climate change on international peace and security (S/PV.6587). Thus, our concluding contribution to this thematic debate is that United Nations peacekeeping must indeed prepare for the future - a different future in which, we submit, humanity will face hostile environmental forces to a degree we have not faced since the last ice age drove our kind to the edge. In all the drawn-out climate change deliberations being pursued through other organs and bodies of the United Nations, we submit that the Security Council should throughout maintain focus on the security and peacekeeping implications of climate change that lie ahead of us.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Norway.

Mrs. Smith (Norway): Like other speakers, I firmly condemn the terrorist attack in Abuja today. A Norwegian junior professional officer was among the deceased. Our thoughts go to the United Nations, the people of Nigeria, and the victims and their families. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic countries: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. United Nations peacekeeping is crucial in supporting countries affected by armed conflict. The Nordic countries are longstanding supporters of this key United Nations endeavour. Between us, we participate in nine of the current United Nations operations. Three of them are headed by representatives from the Nordic countries, two of whom are women. That is no coincidence. We strongly believe that we need more women at the top level in United Nations peacekeeping and that we must continue to strive for proper integration of the gender perspective in all activities. We welcome this opportunity to discuss peacekeeping in the Security Council. Our main focus will be on the issues of protection, capabilities and partnerships. The primary role of the United Nations with regard to the protection of civilians should be to assist host Governments in carrying out their responsibility to fulfil this vital task. Strengthening good governance, security and justice sector reform, and the participation of women are key issues in this regard. At the same time, the United Nations must be prepared and able to provide robust assistance when needed. The effective implementation of all aspects of protection mandates requires adequate capabilities, training, planning and strategy. The Nordic countries fully agree with India's focus on the need for better alignment between mandates and capabilities. Discrepancies between stated objectives and the availability of capabilities can undermine the credibility of the United Nations. To meet future demands, the United Nations needs to apply a more comprehensive and capability- driven approach. The Nordic countries support the New Horizon initiative as a solid basis for improving the United Nations capacity to deliver on all parts of the mandates. The ongoing efforts of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Field Support to move the focus from numbers to skills and capacity are highly commendable. Likewise, the United Nations must make more efficient use of available resources, both in-house and internationally, in particular from the South. In this light, we welcome the recommendations of the civilian capacities review (S/2011/85). Civilian capacities, including rule of law and gender expertise, play a key role in the transition from conflict to peace and development. Together, we must build on the momentum that has been generated by the review, and continue to work for the implementation of the recommendations. As Nordic countries, we stand ready to share our expertise in developing civilian capacities in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. We must also continue to strengthen the United Nations capacity to deliver as one. We cannot look at peacekeeping in isolation from peacebuilding and longer-term development. A well-integrated and more coherent United Nations is a more effective United Nations. This requires an ability to prioritize and to think strategically across sectors and divisions. Partnership is a key word. We acknowledge the importance of further enhancing the relationship between troop- and police-contributing countries and 11-4820!) United Nations bodies. The Secretariat and the Security Council will benefit from closer engagement in the formulation of new mandates as well as in the adjustment of existing mandates. Close relations between the United Nations and host Governments will also benefit all parties involved and pave the way for early transition. In order to succeed with those very sensitive peacebuilding tasks that tend to be included in peacekeeping mandates, national ownership is vital. This is particularly true with regard to security sector reform. Enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations is another key partnering issue. Cooperation and coordination are important means to ensure that the increased role of regional organizations in peacekeeping contributes to the efficient use of scarce resources. This is highly relevant in Africa, where the African Union is shouldering a heavy burden alongside the United Nations. The Nordic countries are jointly engaged in a capacity-building programme with the Eastern African Standby Force Coordination Mechanism. We are delighted with the progress made by our East African partners. Last week, the Standby Force signed a memorandum of understanding with the African Union Commission to enhance the capabilities of the African Union Mission in Somalia. This memorandum is a milestone in the operationalization of the African Standby Force, as it will provide the framework for the first ever deployment of a regional African standby force. Let me conclude by expressing the Nordic countries' appreciation of India's initiative to organize today's debate.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Hungary.

Mr. Zimonyi (Hungary): At the outset, on behalf of the Government of Hungary, I join the unanimous condemnation in the strongest terms by all previous speakers today of the attack against the United Nations building in Abuja. I extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families and to the United Nations. Hungary thanks India, one of the top troop- contributing countries (TCCs), for its initiative to convene this open debate on the peacekeeping operations of the United Nations. Hungary fully aligns itself with the statement delivered earlier today on behalf of the European Union. The world has changed significantly since the first Blue Helmets were deployed in the late 1940s. We consider it an important and urgent task to continue the review of United Nations peacekeeping in order to adapt it to the challenges of the twenty-first century. In this regard, Hungary supports all reform proposals that will enable peacekeeping operations to respond effectively and in a timely manner to violent conflicts in order to protect civilian populations and to establish the conditions necessary for long-lasting peace. The question of capabilities and resources lies at the heart of the peacekeeping reform debate. Developing military and police capabilities is an important tool to enable complex peacekeeping operations to carry out their mandates effectively. Regarding the improvement of capabilities, Hungary attaches utmost importance to the training of peacekeeping personnel. The Hungarian Defence Forces Peace Support Training Centre, located in Szolnok, Hungary, has a long history and unique expertise in training peacekeepers from different parts of the world. Our country's goal is to contribute to the improvement of United Nations peacekeeping capabilities by preparing Hungarian and international peacekeeping personnel for their future assignments. The present global economic crisis has sharpened the focus on the financing of peacekeeping operations. Against this background, many United Nations Member States, including Hungary, put greater emphasis on the need for enhanced efficiency in the implementation of the United Nations peacekeeping budget. As a troop-contributing country, we also understand the added burden that many troop- and police-contributing countries (PCCs) face in this difficult economic climate. It is becoming more difficult for every one of us to find the resources needed to send further troops, offer additional technical advice, and spend more money on peacekeeping activities. Nevertheless, it is of the utmost importance to provide the necessary resources to implement effectively the complex mandates of today's peacekeeping operations. Thus, new solutions need to be found to meet those new challenges. First of all, preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention must play a bigger role in the activities of the United Nations. Peacekeeping is part of the political solution and not an alternative to it. We must individualize our processes and have a well-defined exit strategy for each peacekeeping mission in order to avoid a prolongation of operations without clear prospects. Secondly, cooperation with regional organizations must be improved in all regions of the world. There are good examples and best practices we can build on and which should be used more widely. In order to increase efficiency, emphasis should be placed on developing local know-how and capabilities. Africa, where the largest part of United Nations forces is concentrated, is a case in point. Most important of all, we must preserve and further improve the global peacekeeping partnership. Troop- and police-contributing countries play an essential part in this partnership and deliver first-hand experience that is indispensable to the work of the Security Council. We must further enhance this cooperation by relying more on the participation of TCCs and PCCs, as well as of host countries, in particular in informal discussions with Council members. We encourage the Council to further strengthen this cooperation as part of the reform of its working methods. Hungary reiterates its strong support and highest appreciation for the work of the peacekeeping missions of the United Nations. We would hereby like to express gratitude to the peacekeeping personnel who serve or have served in United Nations missions, and convey our deep respect for those who have lost their lives in service of the cause of international peace and security.

The President: I give the floor to the representative of Croatia.

Mr. Mikec (Croatia): Let me first express, on behalf of the Croatian Government, our strongest condemnation of the terrorist attack on United Nations premises in Abuja, and extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the people and Government of Nigeria, and the United Nations as a whole. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, and your team for your successful conduct of the Council's work this month and especially for convening this important debate. My delegation aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. However, allow me to take part in this timely debate by adding a few comments in my national capacity. The concepts of peacekeeping and peacebuilding, like the international landscape, are constantly changing, and the role of the United Nations in multidimensional peacekeeping is becoming ever more complex and deeper as it aims at resolving the underlying causes, and not just the symptoms. Over the years Croatia has gained extensive and valuable knowledge and experience with United Nations peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, taking into the account our path from hosting peacekeepers to becoming a strong contributor to numerous peacekeeping operations. In this regard, Croatia is making every effort to use its experience in helping other countries in need to overcome their difficulties. Let me highlight some issues that we feel need further attention. The concept of peacekeeping cannot be touched upon without mentioning two documents: the Brahimi report (S/2000/809) and the New Horizon initiative. Croatia supports guidelines provided in these documents, especially the premise that conflict cannot be resolved first and foremost by military means, but that we must rather seek to address problems at their root causes. Lasting peace and security can be achieved only through adherence to the three interlinked and firmly grounded basic pillars of security, development and the protection of human rights. Genuine and sustainable peace can be accomplished only through the thorough rebuilding of core national institutions and their functions, as well as their employment on behalf of all social, religious and ethnic groups. Therefore, peacekeeping has to be considered as a beginning of the peacebuilding process. Such a multidimensional approach needs to be reflected in mission planning processes. A clear political strategy and integrated mission planning are extremely important and should include the provision of a precisely defined mandate with clear and objective benchmarks and goals that reflect the actual situation on the ground and are as depoliticized as possible, as well as a clear exit strategy. In order to ensure that expected gaps are minimized and to increase overall efficiency, we believe that each new mission needs to be tailored to concrete conditions and political realities on the ground. We believe that cooperation and coordination among the main stakeholders within United Nations and troop- and police-contributing countries need to be strengthened. Peacekeeping operations should be planned with the unambiguous support of a core number of nations willing to provide troops for proposed mission. In that regard, Croatia welcomes the ongoing practice of interaction with the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations, which offers a comprehensive overview on the situation of each operation. Croatia recognizes and supports the Council's intention to further strengthen coherence among peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding in its work, and we particularly welcome the Council's practice of transforming some former peacekeeping missions into integrated peacebuilding missions. This practice accords with the mandates and activities of other stakeholders in charge of peacebuilding, especially the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), and opens the door to further fruitful cooperation among them. In that context, let me express here our hope that the PBC's relevant knowledge and experience of specific issues concerning countries that are on the agendas of both the Security Council and the PBC will find their way into the Council's deliberations. The implementation of protection of civilians mandates continues to be one of the most operationally complex tasks for United Nations peacekeeping. United Nations troops, police and civilians on the ground continue to develop innovative approaches to the protection of civilians. In that respect, Croatia strongly support the implementation of a strategic framework to guide the drafting of comprehensive protection of civilians strategies, particularly a series of protection of civilians training models for military, police and civilian personnel. The Republic of Croatia itself develops civilian and military capabilities focused on training, education and mentoring of the national forces of conflict-affected countries. Those capabilities, properly adapted to concrete missions, contribute to security and stability, especially by providing assistance in the process of establishing self- sustaining national forces and authorities. In the conduct of peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, two additional aspects - cooperation among international agencies and regional and subregional organizations, and the role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts - have to be considered in order to strengthen overall achievements. Croatia believes that these two aspects should be encouraged as much as possible. Finally, allow me to express Croatia's support for the report of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (A/65/ 19). Even though much still can be done, we believe that the report provides vital input to the membership's continued efforts to implement the United Nations peacekeeping reform agenda, and shapes the future of United Nations peacekeeping. Croatia will continue to contribute to that end. In conclusion, we would like to recognize the crucial role of all men and women serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions, and in that regard we condemn all attacks on United Nations peacekeeping personnel. We would like to highlight our belief that safety and security of all United Nations personnel are of paramount importance.

The President: I give the floor to the representative of Nepal.

Mr. Acharya (Nepal): Let me begin, as others have done, by expressing our condemnation of the United Nations offices in Abuja, Nigeria, this morning. We express our sincere condolences to all those who were killed in the dastardly attack, and our sympathies to the bereaved families. Let me express my delegation's sincere appreciation to you, Mr. President, for having organized this open debate in the Council on the theme "Peacekeeping: taking stock and preparing for the future", and for preparing an excellent and comprehensive concept paper on the subject (S/20ll/496, annex). This is a very timely and important debate. I should also like to thank the Secretary-General for his important statement this morning. We also endorse the statement made by the representative of the Kingdom of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. Peacekeeping, as a flagship enterprise of the United Nations, is constantly evolving. The increased demand on the United Nations to respond to a growing and diverse number of situations is testimony both to the growing confidence reposed in the world body and to the multifaceted challenges that the international community has to grapple with. Likewise, the assumption of a peacekeeping role by some regional organizations and the participation of an ever- increasing number of troop-contributing countries (TCCs) and police-contributing countries (PCCs) in peacekeeping operations underscore peacekeeping's indispensability as a legitimate instrument of the global body for the maintenance of international peace and security. In the space and time continuum, peacekeeping operations have gone well beyond their traditional modes of operation. Protecting peace and ensuring security, providing security guarantees, including the protection of civilians, and political and peacebuilding support to assist countries' transition to peace are the principal tasks assigned to peacekeeping missions today. They represent a mixed bag of old and new mandates. In their present-day incarnation, peacekeepers are performing as early peacebuilders. They undertake many of the tasks pertaining to peacebuilding and nation-building, particularly by creating the necessary environment for the tasks of monitoring elections, building necessary governance institutions, establishing the rule of law, supporting disarmament, demobilization and reintegration and security sector reform, and laying foundations for sustained economic growth and development. The dramatic growth in peacekeeping operations is thus accompanied by new, complex and multidimensional mandates; diverse, challenging and often hostile operating environments; and growing interaction among a number of players. It is unfortunate that the growth in the United Nations budget is not proportionate to the growth in the number of peacekeeping operations and the magnitude of the mandate. The evolving trend has also brought to the fore the critical issues of State sovereignty and consent, building national capacity, the right to protection and a host of other related issues. This indicates that peacekeeping has moved into a newer and broader territory. We believe that overall peacekeeping has been largely successful, but we have to make it better, as it has become a versatile instrument of the United Nations. We should bridge the gap in our strategy, financing and capacity not only to ensure immediate peace and security, but also to support economic, social and political recovery in order to promote longer-term security and peace in the countries concerned. After all, the root causes of conflicts have to be looked at critically if we are to be successful in the field. Moreover, strategy alone, without corresponding resources and capacity in the related fields, has never succeeded anytime or anywhere. And United Nations peacekeeping cannot be an exception to that. There is no doubt that a higher standard of cost- effectiveness, agility and operational efficiency must be ensured. We concur with the view articulated in the concept paper before us that United Nations peacekeeping operations do not only carry international legitimacy, but are also the most cost- effective tools through which international peace and security can be strengthened. It is our hope that implementation of the global field support strategy and a capability-driven approach will strengthen United Nations peacekeeping further in the days ahead. As there is no alternative to peacekeeping, it should remain a partnership and a responsibility shared among the General Assembly, the Security Council, the TCCs and PCCs, regional partners, the host country and the Secretariat. An enhanced level of understanding and partnership among all the stakeholders, right from the initial phase of mandate design to the ultimate phase of withdrawal and exit, is required for any peacekeeping operation to be successful. In addition, doctrinal and conceptual understanding must be simplified and defined in terms of operational activities, and must be understood by all stakeholders. Based on our experiences gained along the evolving path of peacekeeping, and looking at the challenges ahead, my delegation emphasizes the following key elements. First, the Security Council must be guided by unity of purpose and mobilize its entire political capital, based on merits and principles, to ensure that a coherent strategic framework is in place to achieve the desired objectives, which must be explicitly articulated. Secondly, peacekeeping should be guided by an integrated three-pronged strategy. It has to stabilize the security situation, support national political processes and ensure economic regeneration. All the three pillars need to be strengthened in a holistic manner from the very beginning. Therefore, greater coherence and coordination are required in dealing with these challenges and conflicts. Thirdly, a framework for consultation with TCCs and PCCs on the mandating process should be substantive, institutionalized and structured in terms of content and timing. The comprehensive and continuous involvement of TCCs and PCCs in all stages of United Nations peacekeeping is essential to making operations effective and successful on the ground. Fourthly, a strong provision of necessary resources and effective arrangements of enablers is key to rapid deployment and to making missions operational. Therefore, field support needs to be strengthened in order to overcome the increasing risks faced by peacekeepers and changing nature of security and growing expectations. Fifthly, civilian capacity in diverse fields is in increasing demand in the new generation of peacekeeping operations. We should strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to respond to such demands with an inclusive approach shared by all. The proper and effective use of civilian capacity, together with a military contingent, will have a salutary impact on building necessary institutions and national capacity in conflict-affected countries, which will make peace deep-rooted and sustainable. Finally, the safety and security of peacekeepers should be given due priority. Equally important is for the morale and dignity of peacekeepers to be kept high at all times through appropriate incentive structures, including timely adjustment of their salaries and facilities in line with ground realities. My country attaches great importance to United Nations peacekeeping in line with its foreign policy objectives. Nepal's association with United Nations peacekeeping is consistent and long-standing. Without interruption since 1958, Nepal has contributed peacekeepers for the maintenance of international peace and security under the aegis of the United Nations, with the cumulative figure of more than 80,000 personnel deployed in 40 different peacekeeping missions around the world. Nepalese peacekeepers have served in the most challenging missions with the utmost commitment and professionalism. To date, some 62 Nepalese peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. In conclusion, my delegation reiterates its profound commitment to United Nations peacekeeping and assures the Council of its continued participation in peacekeeping missions for the sake of a secure, stable and prosperous future for all.

The President: I give the floor to the representative of Serbia.

Ms. Cubrilo (Serbia): Unfortunately, the Permanent Representative of Serbia was unable to join us this evening, so I shall deliver the following statement. My country strongly condemns the terrible attack in Abuja and extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the people and Government of Nigeria, and the whole United Nations community. The Republic of Serbia welcomes the holding of this open debate in the Security Council on the subject of United Nations peacekeeping operations, believing that the Council can only benefit from such a debate. We thank the delegation of India for preparing the concept note (S/2011/496, annex), which will certainly help steer today's discussion on the subject. Serbia has aligned itself with the statement of the European Union. In addition, I would like to make a few remarks. Serbia attaches great importance to the United Nations role in promoting and maintaining international peace and security and, as a responsible member of the international community, is committed to playing an active role in the United Nations peacekeeping activities, demonstrating thereby its commitment to the goals of the Organization. Peacekeeping operations are among the most important aspects of the capacity of the United Nations to safeguard international peace and security, and a unique and valuable tool in assisting countries to make the transition from conflicts to durable peace in an effective and sustainable manner. In addition to the necessary political support, the effective matching of human, financial and logistical resources with priority needs is essential to ensuring that there is no discrepancy between the identified objectives and the practical achievements on the ground. While United Nations peacekeeping operations continue to evolve into multidimensional undertakings designed to provide a stable and secure environment for smooth peace processes, it is necessary to ensure the maximum optimization of the existing resources of the United Nations system. It is also of particular importance to mobilize additional capabilities in order to minimize gaps and improve performance in the field, bearing in mind that the absence of critical assets hampers missions' ability to implement their mandates. Addressing these challenges in a comprehensive and proper way requires the coordinated and energetic response of all the Members of the United Nations. Successful peacekeeping is a shared responsibility, so the continued engagement, commitment and dedication of all actors involved are needed in order to improve the ability of United Nations peacekeeping to deliver concrete results at the field level in complex and fragile situations. This requires a broader, holistic strategy that synergizes peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts to address the interlinked issues of security and development in a comprehensive manner as the best way to prevent the resurgence of conflict. If these efforts are to be productive, all involved actors should make their contribution within the framework of the enhanced peacekeeping partnership between the Security Council, the General Assembly, the host country and troop-contributing countries (TCCs) and police- contributing countries (PCCs). The increasingly difficult operational environments and the multiplicity and complexity of demands and challenges require continuous dialogue and coordination among all involved stakeholders throughout the whole lifecycle of a mission. The active involvement of troop- and police-contributing countries in all stages of United Nations peacekeeping operations has proven to be an important contribution to their smooth functioning and the successful implementation of their ever-diversifying tasks. Tens of thousands of men and women serving all around the world under the flag of the United Nations make TCCs and PCCs an essential source of credible and useful information on field developments and operational challenges. In that context, the expertise of those countries should be incorporated into the planning and policymaking processes early on, especially prior to the Security Council's decision-taking on the renewal or appropriate adjustments of mission mandates. The field experience of TCCS and PCCs is also relevant in the process of the reconfiguration of missions, the generation of required capabilities and developing or modifying mission-specific rules of engagement, operational concepts and command-and-control structures. The Republic of Serbia considers that the consultations between the Security Council, the Secretariat and TCCS and PCCs can play an indispensable role in assessments of the implementation of the mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations and opportunities to improve arrangements for their management and oversight. The meetings of the Security Council with TCCs and PCCs and the ongoing practice of inviting them periodically to the meetings of the Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations are very welcome. These practices are important mechanisms for ensuring the greater involvement of those countries in an open and inclusive dialogue with the Security Council members on peacekeeping-related issues. Yet there is still space for improvements in this regard. In particular, it would be beneficial if troop- and police-contributing countries could be informed about those meetings and their agendas well in advance in order to have sufficient time to prepare and coordinate with their respective capitals and national contingents on the ground. This would enable them to optimize their contributions to the discussions and improve the overall quality of their interactions with the Security Council members. These meeting are of particular importance in the case of new peacekeeping operations. It would be advantageous to convene them at an early stage in order to incorporate the views of TCCS and PCCs in the planning processes. This would also help the Security Council to have a clear insight into available resources to be engaged by those countries in specific missions in order to avoid future serious capability gaps that could jeopardize the implementation of the missions' mandate. In closing, I would like to pay tribute to all United Nations peacekeepers who risk their lives for the noble cause of peace. I would also like to reiterate the readiness of my country to engage constructively and in close cooperation with other Members of the United Nations in advancing the objectives of United Nations peacekeeping. With that in mind, we stand ready to significantly increase our participation in United Nations missions in the coming period.

The President: I give the floor to the representative of Ukraine.

Mr. Tsymbaliuk (Ukraine): First and foremost, Ukraine would like to join others in condemning today's hideous attack against the United Nations in Abuja. We express deepest sympathies to the victims and their families, to the Government of Nigeria and to the United Nations family. Let me thank you, Sir, for convening this important debate. The choice of today's topic came quite naturally to such a major troop-contributing country as India. I would like to join previous speakers in commending the extraordinary contribution of your country in this sphere. Our appreciation also goes to the Secretary-General for his insight into today's topic. While Ukraine aligns itself with the statement made by the observer of the European Union, I find it pertinent to make a few brief points in my national capacity. Let me start by giving credit to former Under- Secretary-General Le Roy for his dedicated stewardship of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations through some of the most turbulent years for United Nations peacekeeping. As he rightly noted, "demand for United Nations-led peacekeeping operations is likely to continue over the next five years and may even start to rise again as fresh crises and conflicts emerge The number of peacekeepers in the field is not falling, just a year after many thought that United Nations peacekeeping was entering a period of consolidation". Recent events - the establishment of two new United Nations peacekeeping operations and the sketching out of a United Nations presence in Libya - prove that this conclusion is very much to the point. That is why, in our view, it is even more urgent to address the most pressing issues affecting today's peacekeeping operations, which were laid bare by a historical surge in the number of uniformed personnel deployments in 2010. Let me briefly outline three areas where, in Ukraine's opinion, our attention is most needed. My delegation remains deeply concerned over the mismatch between resources in terms of major enablers and the broad mandates of United Nations peacekeeping operations. The gap is exemplified by the classic case of military utility helicopters, the shortage of which jeopardizes the effectiveness of some of the United Nations' most complex and ambitious operations. That was one of the unmistakable messages of the latest Security Council meeting with Force Commanders (6592nd meeting). Our peacekeepers should have all capacities needed to tackle increasingly complex situations and tasks, especially in vast theatres of operations. We therefore fully concur with the European Union's call for pragmatic and swift solutions and look forward to studying the Secretariat's forthcoming proposals. Ukraine believes that those proposals should be based on the relevant recommendations of the last two sessions of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, especially in terms of changing the way in which military helicopters are reimbursed for and operated. Much has been said about United Nations peacekeeping as a global partnership between the Security Council, troop and police contributors, and the Secretariat. We cannot agree more. But for this triangle to work best, a mutual understanding between each of its actors is a prerequisite. The surest way to achieve such understanding is to give troop-contributing countries (TCCs) a much stronger voice in the decision-making process at all stages of peacekeeping operations, from planning to termination. There should be no instances when TCCs are confronted with a fait accompli, only learning about decisions directly affecting their personnel or assets from Security Council resolutions on the day of their adoption. Ensuring an adequate level of safety and security for United Nations personnel must be the central element of any peacekeeping operation. We are deeply concerned over increasing threats to Blue Helmets. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest condolences over the loss earlier this month of the lives of four peacekeepers in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei. The perpetrators of such heinous acts should not go unpunished, and the relevant TCCs should have every legal right and means to be involved in the investigation of crimes committed against the life and health of their peacekeepers. As one of the initiators of the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, Ukraine looks forward to the Secretariat's comprehensive report on all the processes involved in the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed against deployed United Nations peacekeepers. The year 2012 will mark 20 years of Ukraine's contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations. That period has witnessed my country's active military and police engagement in more than 20 missions under the auspices of the United Nations. If there were a peacekeeping ratio, Ukraine's would be one new mission per year. Overall, as of today Ukraine has contributed almost 40,000 Blue Helmets to United Nations peacekeeping efforts in every region of their deployment around the world. There is hardly a need for greater testimony to our commitment to United Nations peacekeeping efforts - a commitment that we are resolved to maintain in the years to come.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Ethiopia.

Mr. Alemu (Ethiopia): Let me start by joining previous speakers in condemning the terrorist attack in Abuja, and in expressing our sympathy and solidarity with Nigeria and the United Nations. This is a scourge that we should all stand together to fight. There is absolutely no justification for resort to terror. I would like to join the speakers who have preceded me in thanking you, Mr. President, for having organized this open debate on United Nations peacekeeping operations. We have found the brief concept paper prepared to facilitate today's debate (S/201l/496, annex) quite comprehensive and indeed very helpful. We thank you for that as well. We also appreciate the Secretary-General's statement. Most of what I wanted to say has been covered by the representative of Morocco and the representative of the African Union, who have spoken on our behalf. I will make one or two remarks more or less expanding on some of the suggestions in the concept paper. One very critical issue raised in the paper has to do with the states of affairs or conditions that affect the legitimacy and credibility of United Nations peacekeeping. The challenge is described as having two facets: the first relates to the apparent legal ambiguity within which peacekeepers are often compelled to operate, and the second to the constraints on resources that lead to deficiencies in performance. These are valid points. But there is yet another major factor threatening the legitimacy and credibility of United Nations peacekeeping and of the Security Council itself, and that has to do with the spectacle that we sometimes witness, for example, when missions are left in the lurch to fend for themselves and left to be humiliated. Here one recalls the fate of the United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea. That episode and other similar situations underscore the need for missions to be supported wholeheartedly by the Council, not only in words but in deeds, which cannot be limited only to resources. In all this, it is critical that there be no situations that might plausibly give credence to allegations or insinuations that the Security Council is unfair and not even-handed. In other words, the body - the Security Council - that authorizes peacekeeping missions must protect its moral authority. In the absence of this, peacekeeping missions are doomed from the outset. If any of the parties has reason to suspect an absence of impartiality, the mission will have no chance of success. The report of the Brahimi Panel on United Nations Peace Operations (S/2000/809) suggested that its recommendations are designed to balance principles and pragmatism. I suppose that is the only viable approach for making United Nations peacekeeping credible and effective. But again, perhaps the best option we have for peace and stability - in our continent first of all - is to do more in the other two principal activities of United Nations peace operations: conflict prevention and peacemaking, and peacebuilding. There is no doubt that it is lack of sufficient attention to preventing conflict, and to peacemaking in particular, that makes peacekeeping necessary. But prevention falls within the ambit of diplomatic initiative. As the Brahimi Panel said, "Such preventive action is, by definition, a low- profile activity; when successful, it may even go unnoticed altogether." (ibid., para. 10) But the Panel could have said more about why we are all so weak in utilizing all the opportunities that preventive diplomacy offers. One could talk at length on this theme, but suffice it to say that one major problem is that the early warnings of conflict are not properly heeded, and more often than not, evil is accommodated until it is too late. In parenthesis, let me say that we did not discover evil as a political concept; the Brahimi Panel did. There is no doubt that, at this juncture in world history when nations see possible future trajectories of the dispersal of power and influence, the proclivity to accommodate evil might possibly grow, not decline. That is a rather scary scenario.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Tunisia.

Mr. Jerandi (Tunisia) (spoke in Arabic): I would first like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the United Nations family, to the brotherly delegation of Nigeria and, through it, to the Government and people of Nigeria and the families of the victims following the attack on United Nations House today - an act that we all condemn. I would also like to extend to the brotherly delegation of India our sincere congratulations on its assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month and on its distinguished performance in a month very busy with important and sensitive issues. I would also like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on choosing the topic of our debate and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his participation in the discussion and his statement to the Council. We associate ourselves with the statements made by our brother from the Kingdom of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, and by the observer of the African Union. Tunisia has participated in peacekeeping operations since 1962. It has deployed hundreds of soldiers to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, sent troops to Cambodia, Albania and Somalia, and contributed observers to United Nations forces in various parts of the African continent and the world. In that regard, I cannot fail to mention the late He'di Annabi, one of the best and most able experts of Tunisia, who was killed in the earthquake that struck Haiti in January 2010 while performing his duties in committed service to the noble principles of the United Nations and its mission to maintain peace and security. Our experience is based on the following issues. With regard to the discussion of peacekeeping operations, we stress the importance of the effective participation of States Members of the Organization, in particular troop-contributing countries, in any discussion on establishing any mission, its implementation or its amendment. We believe that the General Assembly and its specialized committees, in particular the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, are the best forums to debate all such matters in a discussion involving all Member States, the Secretariat and members of the Security Council, and to consider their proposals and those of other specialized working and ad hoc groups on peacekeeping operations in order to ensure transparency in all decisions on peacekeeping operations, their implementation or their amendment. With regard to the functioning of peacekeeping operations in the field and their guiding principles, we believe them to be crucial to the functioning of peacekeeping operations, in particular consent by the parties concerned, non-use of force except in self- defence, and the observance of complete impartiality. We also believe that we must have a clear vision of the nature of such missions and United Nations forces, as well as advance exit strategies to avoid any security vacuums in countries where the Organization has worked so hard. To that end, I believe that we must recognize the inseparable and complementary nature of peacekeeping and peacebuilding operations. On the other hand, we believe that it is important to conduct extensive consultations with the troop- contributing countries on logistical issues relating to their components in peacekeeping operations, in particular when such forces are restructured, redeployed or given a new mandate. Naturally, the issue of resources cannot be avoided, since it is one of the main causes of the limited efficiency and effectiveness of the current forces and greatly reduces the ability of the United Nations and regional organizations to conduct peacekeeping operations in conflict areas. I also note that the discussion that has been ongoing since 2008, in particular on cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union, and consequent recommendations and reports, such as the Prodi report (S/2008/813), all need to be implemented. We must identify possible approaches to the financing of African missions sanctioned by the United Nations. In any case, we believe that conflict prevention and pre-emptive action remain the best way to spare the United Nations and its Member States heavy financial, logistical and political burdens. Therefore, the international community must focus on preventive action in dealing with conflicts before they begin or spread, and pay sufficient attention to events throughout the world in order to ensure that the Organization adopts a comprehensive approach in seeking to preserve international peace and security and addresses the various phases of such efforts in an optimal manner. In conclusion, I affirm that, as it begins a new phase of its history, Tunisia will always remain committed to upholding the pillars of peace, stability and security throughout the world. We will spare no effort to contribute and participate effectively in United Nations peacekeeping operations. We believe that, despite the difficulties that such operations face, they represent one of the greatest successes of our Organization and a source of hope for all people who suffer the scourge of war and conflict.

The President: I now give the floor to the representative of Sri Lanka.

Mr. Silva (Sri Lanka): At the outset, my delegation condemns the shocking terrorist attack on the United Nations office in Abuja. We extend our sincere condolences to the families and relatives of the victims. We stand in support of and solidarity with the United Nations family and the Government of Nigeria in the face of that horrific attack. Let me join previous speakers in congratulating India on its initiative to convene this timely and important debate. The Sri Lankan delegation associates itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement by the representative of Morocco. Today, United Nations peacekeepers are one of the most widely recognized members of the United Nations family. They bring hope and security to millions of people around the world. They are at the forefront of the Security Council's effort to carry out its mandate to maintain international peace and security. United Nations peacekeeping operations, an activity that was not envisaged at the inception of the Organization, have come a long way from their modest beginnings and have evolved into complex operations. Therefore, it is appropriate that the performance and direction of United Nations peacekeeping be reviewed at regular intervals to maintain its focus on priorities, fundamental principles and ground realities. The world today is a relatively safer place because of United Nations peacekeepers. They safeguard the peace, often in hostile and difficult environments. Let us remember and pay tribute to the hundreds of peacekeepers and associated staff who have sacrificed their lives in the line of duty over the years. Theirs was a sacrifice for the today, the tomorrow and the future of many countries and their peoples. Sri Lanka is honoured to have been able to serve with other Member States in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Over the years, we have made a modest contribution to assisting United Nations peacekeeping missions. The year 2010 marked the fiftieth anniversary of our first contribution to a United Nations peacekeeping mission. We believe that United Nations peacekeeping missions embody the best example of nations coming together for peace and security. Cooperation between troops and police personnel from different countries forges bonds of friendship and trust that transcend differences in language and culture. We continue the training and assessment of peacekeepers in Sri Lanka in an effort to uphold the highest standards of peacekeeping. Sri Lanka's steadfast commitment to United Nations peacekeeping is reflected in our strategic reserve of a highly professional and fully equipped battalion for deployment within 48-hours' notice. In keeping with the United Nations stated goal of ensuring gender parity in all areas, Sri Lanka also has in reserve highly professional and well-trained female personnel to serve as peacekeepers. Peacekeeping should not be treated as a substitute for addressing the root causes of conflict. The ultimate goal should be building peace and the institutional capacities of the affected countries to enable them to manage their own affairs free from outside interference. Hence, exit strategies are of paramount importance. A successful transition can be guaranteed only by developing clear, credible and achievable mandates, which this Council agreed to ensure at its deliberations in February. Sri Lanka firmly believes that United Nations peacekeeping operations should be conducted in respect for fundamental principles such as the consent of the parties, the non-use of force except in self- defence, and impartiality. The success of any peacekeeping mission will depend on the respect accorded to the principles of the sovereign equality and territorial integrity of States. It is equally important that the criterion for the selection of peacekeeping troops always remain the level of their proven and recognized professionalism and integrity during their deployment. Peacekeeping budgets and the number of peacekeepers have grown as the nature of peacekeeping mandates has changed - a development that has attracted criticism. At the same time, the gaps between mandates and the resources required to carry them out have widened. We hope that this debate will focus on the importance of providing adequate resources to allow peacekeeping missions to carry out their mandates. From the stage of planning until actual deployment, it is imperative to have closer consultations and careful evaluations of the resource gaps. United Nations peacekeeping operations remain, despite their shortcomings, vastly superior in terms of effectiveness and efficiency to other alternatives. In conclusion, Sri Lanka is pleased to reiterate our continued commitment to the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and United Nations peacekeeping operations.

The President: I give the floor to the representative of Azerbaijan.

Mr. Mammadaliyev (Azerbaijan): Allow me to join previous speakers in condemning the latest terrorist attack in Nigeria. In this regard, our deepest condolences go to all those affected. 1 would like to thank you, Sir, for having convened this very important open debate on United Nations peacekeeping operations and for your submission of the concept paper (S/2011/496, annex) on this topic. Azerbaijan fully aligns itself with the statement delivered today on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, but I would like to make some remarks in our national capacity. Despite serious shortcomings, it is evident that peacekeeping and peacekeepers have delivered results, contributed to reducing tensions, and ensured that peacebuilding processes in different parts of the world moved forward. At the same time, more should be done to strengthen international peacekeeping capabilities in accordance with the needs of national authorities and relevance to conditions in the host countries. As a country suffering from the scourge of war and situated in proximity to other conflicts affecting the countries of its region, Azerbaijan is determined to establish lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus and beyond on the basis of the generally accepted norms and principles of international law, the relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, and the appropriate documents and decisions adopted by other international organizations. Azerbaijan is fully committed to and making sustained efforts in maintaining international peace, security and stability, including by contributing to peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. The peacekeeping company in Azerbaijan's Armed Forces was formed in 1997 and transformed in 2001 into a battalion. Since 1999, Azerbaijan has contributed sizable military personal to the peacekeeping missions in Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. In recent years, the Government of Azerbaijan has increased its financial contribution to support the United Nations peacekeeping operations. Respect for the purposes and principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter, including in particular those pertaining to the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of States and non-interference in their internal affairs, are crucial to promoting peace, security and stability in general and to performing peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions. It is obvious that peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts and their respective mandates involve important questions of international law, and a greater degree of common understanding in this regard is required among Member States. We believe that the relevant guiding principles and strategies to be developed with a view to strengthening the normative framework of such efforts should strictly adhere to the concept of State sovereignty, including, inter alia, the consent of the parties and impartiality. Particular attention should also be paid to the issues of international humanitarian law and international human rights law. We believe that there is a need for more effective cooperation, partnership and coordination among the Security Council, the General Assembly, the Secretariat, and troop- and police-contributing and host countries. It is also important to mention the links between officers in the field and decision-makers here at Headquarters in order to ensure that correct decisions are made in a timely manner. This can be achieved only through the greater involvement of troop-contributing countries, which eventually will lead to an upgrade of peacekeeping itself. In conclusion, Mr. President, allow me to assure you that Azerbaijan will continue to support peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding efforts, address their needs and contribute to the decision- making process of the Security Council. 38

The President: There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The meeting rose at 7.10 p.m. 11-48209