Previous Story
Fiji urges more UN cooperation
|
Posted on Jan 25 2001
SUVA, Fiji Islands (PINA Nius) — Fiji has called for improved cooperation and consultation between the United Nations Security Council, the Secretariat and countries contributing troops to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Fiji’s United Nations representative Amraiya Naidu said the system of reimbursing costs should be reviewed to ensure that small countries such as Fiji are not disadvantaged by having to undergo lengthy waits for reimbursement of money spent.
And he said those responsible for killing United Nations peacekeepers should be brought to justice.
He said the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon alone had lost at least 250 lives in its 23 years of operation.
“This is an unacceptable casualty figure in peacekeeping terms. In whatever mission, it remains important that warring parties are held accountable for such casualties,” he said.
Mr. Naidu said Fiji is confidant that the loss of lives in all peacekeeping missions can be minimized and those responsible properly brought to justice.
Mr. Naidu said this will give credibility to the international mechanisms that are put in place for these specific objectives, to strengthen peacekeeping operations and deter would-be-violators.
He said acquisition of appropriate armory to adequately equip its peacekeeping troops for missions is a strain for Fiji.
