UNITED NATIONS, May 18: The United Nations Security Council on Monday called on member states to give the world body political and financial support, as well as the civilian and military personnel, "to allow the multiple operations to start optimally
and fulfil their respective mandates in an effective manner."
After its review of UN peacekeeping operations in a meeting presided over by Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmud Kasuri (Pakistan holds Council's presidency) the Council said it understood the challenges the recent surge in demand for new peacekeeping operations meant for the UN system.
"The Security Council called upon member states to ensure that the United Nations is provided with full political and financial support to meet these challenges effectively, keeping in view the specific requirements of each mission and bearing in mind the human and financial resource implications for the United Nations," Mr Kasuri said in the presidential statement.
Secretary-General Kofi Annan observed that an extra $1 billion would be needed by the end of the year to fund the growing number of peacekeeping missions, which currently stand at 14 with operations in Haiti set to begin in June.
The statement suggested that troop-contributing countries and countries donating necessities other than troops help plan the missions and aid the Council in making appropriate, effective and timely decisions about the missions.
Recognizing the need to draw on the expertise of experienced troop-contributing countries, the Council called for the establishment of peacekeeping training centres for new and emerging troop contributors.
Paying tribute to the high-level of professionalism, dedication and courage of all those who have served with UN peacekeeping operations, the Council "honour(ed) the memory of those who lost their lives in the service of the United Nations and the noble cause of peace."
The debate involved 43 participants of which Ireland spoke on behalf of the EU countries and affiliated states. The debate came at a time when the United Nations is contemplating an unprecedented expansion of its peacekeeping operations-including the deployment of four new missions in Cote D'Ivoire, Haiti, Burundi and possibly the Sudan.
