DATE=3/27/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-N RAPID PEACEKEEPING FORCE (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-260664
BYLINE=BRECK ARDERY
DATELINE=UNITED NATIONS
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
called today (Monday) for swifter response and
adequate forces in U-N peacekeeping operations, which
he says have a new role. V-O-A Correspondent Breck
Ardery reports from the United Nations.
TEXT: Mr. Annan says the nature of U-N peacekeeping
missions has changed in recent years from trying to
end fighting between nations to attempts to end more
complicated armed conflicts within nations.
/// FIRST ANNAN ACT ///
We are rarely faced with inter-state violence
any more. But, in truth we are rarely dealing
with purely internal conflicts either. Rather,
conflicts today are often a complex mix of the
two. Their roots may be essentially internal,
but they are complicated by cross-border
involvement, either by state or non-state
actors.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Annan spoke to a meeting of representatives of 20
nations that have committed a portion of their armed
forces to be available for immediate deployment in U-N
peacekeeping operations anywhere in the world.
Defense ministers from five of the nations that are
participating in the so-called "High Readiness
Brigade," including Austria, Canada, Denmark, the
Netherlands and Poland, were present at the meeting.
Some critics of U-N peacekeeping missions have said
the troops often take too long to arrive and, when
they do, are often of insufficient number to do the
job. The U-N Secretary-General says the High
Readiness Brigade is essential for providing credible
and effective peacekeeping troops.
/// SECOND ANNAN ACT ///
If we show up looking small and weak, we are
inviting trouble and I think we have learned
that. If, on the other hand, if we arrive
quickly with strength and obvious determination,
we will invite and earn respect.
/// END ACT ///
Mr. Annan says the nations that are participating in
the standby brigade are making a major contribution to
the military capacity of future U-N peacekeeping
missions. (Signed)
NEB/UN/BA/LSF/gm
27-Mar-2000 16:36 PM EDT (27-Mar-2000 2136 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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