Summary: EU Presidency Statement - Security Council Public Meeting on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (New York: 22 February 2006)
United Nations Security Council Public Meeting on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations; Statement by Ambassador Gerhard Pfanzelter, Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations, on behalf of the European Union.
Mr President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, the Stabilisation and Association Process countries and potential candidates, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this statement.
The European Union strongly supports UN Peacekeeping both in principle and in practice. Its support rests on principle because the UN brings with it unique legitimacy. Combined with its impartiality and professionalism, the UN is often the only hope for war-torn countries and their citizens to find their way on to the path of peace and stability. A recent comparative study by the Rand Corporation on nation building efforts- which are the most complex among the UN's field operations - has shown
the remarkable success rate of UN peacekeeping even in this most challenging area. The authors conclude that the UN provides the most suitable institutional framework for nation-building missions that require fewer than 20,000 men - none of the current UN operations are above that troop level. The authors further conclude that the UN framework provides for a comparatively low cost structure, a comparatively high success rate, and the greatest degree of international legitimacy. From our own
experience, we share this assessment.
The practical support of the EU to UN Peace-keeping is demonstrated by sheer numbers. At present the annual budget for peace-keeping operations amounts to over 5 billion USD- Collectively, the EU is by far the largest financial contributor and provides roughly 38,5% of the peace-keeping budget. EU Member states together also provide about 4100 troops in the field. Therefore, it goes without saying that we have a particular interest that resources are deployed in the most efficient and effective
way. Hence, we are deeply concerned about the recent allegations of fraud and mismanagement in procurement for peacekeeping and we support all efforts to investigate these allegations. In this context, we would like to express our appreciation for the work of the UN Office of Internal Oversight (OIOS), which has itself brought the attention to these cases of possible fraud. Those found guilty must be held accountable, with respect for due process. We believe that stronger internal controls and
improved oversight must be put in place and the highest ethical standards applied to prevent such instances recurring. All departments involved in the procurement process must ensure that senior managers within those departments are seized of the need to oversee the procurement process, ensure compliance with relevant rules and regulations and be accountable - and be seen to be accountable - for their actions.
At the same time we must not forget, that it is often under the most difficult circumstances and under enormous time-pressure that the UN is called upon to set up a peace-keeping operation. Without delay troops have to be deployed, equipment has to be procured and the necessary infrastructure has to be put in place. This is an immense task and we would like to express our appreciation for the outstanding achievements of the organisation in this regard.
Since 1948, 2248 UN Peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty. Day by day, UN Peacekeepers all over the world are providing essential services to Member states and their populations. It is our collective duty to ensure that sound management is practiced at the UN, including in the field of peacekeeping. It is also our collective duty as responsible Member states of the United Nations to ensure that the overall picture of commitment, success and hard work on the part of UN
peacekeepers - who were mandated with their difficult tasks by the Members of the Security Council - is made known to the world.
*Croatia and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process
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