UNITED NATIONS, Jan 27: Pakistan on Tuesday called upon the UN Security Council and the Secretary General to assume a pro- active role in post-conflict reconciliation in accordance with the provisions of the UN Charter.

Stating that "prevention is better than cure," Pakistan's Ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram said "the Security Council and the UN secretary general have considerable scope for action to prevent conflicts through the modalities and mechanisms available under Chapter VI of the UN Charter. Reconciliation entails a multifaceted process."

Addressing the Security Council on the issue of post- conflict resolution Mr Akram said: "Even where the parties are engaged in peace-building, the UN can and should play a useful role in encouraging the parties, monitoring the process and using its good offices to play a mediatory role as outlined in chapter VI of the UN Charter particularly where the UN has obvious and direct responsibilities under resolutions and decisions previously adopted by the Security Council."

Noting that "the conclusion of the Cold War, instead of promoting universal peace, coincided with the eruption of a number of conflicts, among and especially within states in various regions" Mr Akram said that the first fact which must be acknowledged is that there is no "one-size fits all" approach to promoting post-conflict national reconciliation.

"We cannot ignore the fact that many conflict situations arise from the politics of poverty and scarcity," he said, "post- conflict reconciliation will inevitably have to be built upon the provision of hope to destitute and desperate people for a better tomorrow."

"Thus economic and social development must constitute an integral part of the international community's endeavours to promote peace and reconciliation on a sustainable basis. The UN and its family of organizations, including the Bretton Wood institutions, as well as civil society, have a vital role to play in generating equitable socio-economic developments in these countries and regions.

To this end, the UN's principal organs - this Council, the General Assembly and the ECOSOC - must promote and pursue a coherent approach in helping to build peace and reconciliation in complex crisis situations," he stressed.

He said that "in the process of national reconciliation, transparency and openness can be helpful in arresting ongoing violence and violations."