Islamabad - A three-member UN high-level panel on peace operations headed by Jose Ramos- Horta is currently in Pakistan for consultations on the review of the United Nations peacekeeping operations and special political missions initiated by the UN Secretary General.
Horta, who is chairman of the UN high-level independent panel on peace operations, on Monday met the Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz. Other members of the panel are Ameerah Haq and Abhijit Guha. The panel will make a comprehensive assessment of the UN peace operations and make recommendations to enhance their effectiveness in peace of the evolving nature of conflict and emerging needs. Recalling Pakistan’s leading role and contribution for the maintenance of international peace and security, the adviser reaffirmed Pakistan’s continued commitment and support for UN peacekeeping. He shared Pakistan’s perspective on the peacekeeping, peace building and conflict prevention activities of the United Nations. The adviser emphasised the importance of the time-tested basic principles of peacekeeping, the need for clear and achievable mandates, provision of adequate capacities and resources and inclusive decision-making involving troop contributing countries, for ensuring success of UN peacekeeping. Horta appreciated Pakistan’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping and particularly lauded the dedication and professionalism of Pakistani peacekeepers. He said that the panel would benefit from the views of major and experienced troop contributing countries like Pakistan.
The panel had a working meeting at the ministry of foreign affairs with the participation of representatives of the ministry of defence, interior and Pakistan Army. The delegation also met with the minister of defence and the director general military operations.