Stalni predstavnik RH pri Ujedinjenim narodima, veleposlanik Nevena Jurica, održao je govor u ime Istocnoeuropske skupine [Hrvatska predsjedava skupinom u studenom 2008. godine] na Komemorativnoj sjednici Opce skupštine UN-a povodom 60. godišnjici UN-ovih operacija ocuvanja mira.
Mr. President, Madam Deputy Secretary-General, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Eastern European Group of States.
The States of the Eastern European Group have been and continue to be strongly committed to United Nations peacekeeping activities. Members of our Group have consistently been amongst troop contributors of United Nations peacekeeping missions, with national contingents coming from EEG members states providing a significant percentage of the overall military strength of the Organization's peacekeeping personnel.
On 29 May 2008 we marked the 60th Anniversary of the first peacekeeping mission established by the United Nations Security Council. In the days since, a further 63 peacekeeping missions have been established by the Security Council in which hundreds of thousands participants from scores of countries have taken part.
Today, UN peacekeeping missions continue to enjoy wide participation of the UN membership. More then 110,000 peacekeepers from 119 countries are currently deployed in Missions worldwide.
For its part, the Eastern European Group of States would like to commend all states from all regional groups that have contributed their military, police and civilian personnel to peacekeeping operations throughout the world over the last 60 years.
Mr. President,
UN Peacekeeping Operations have proven to be a useful and effective tool at the disposal of the international community for addressing some of the world's most daunting challenges to peace and security. To quote the United Nations Secretary General “Peacekeeping has developed into a flagship enterprise of our Organization”.
During the past six decades, United Nations peacekeepers have saved countless lives, prevented wars and eased tensions in numerous crisis areas around the world. To those affected by war and its atrocities, the presence of UN Peacekeepers has offered hope and the conviction that they have not been abandoned.
Being deployed to some of the most dangerous places on earth, UN Peacekeepers have on numerous occasions proven their bravery and dedication to the cause of peace. This is why the safety and security of all UN Personnel, including peacekeepers, should remain a priority. We condemn in the strongest terms the killing and targeted attacks on UN peacekeepers and all acts of violence against them.
At the heart of every peacekeeping operation remains the protection of civilians. We therefore welcome the growing emphasis within the Organization that has been placed on the protection of those most vulnerable in armed conflict, notably women and children.
Mr. President,
Today, in this august body, we are also paying special tribute to the more than 2,500 Peacekeepers who have given their lives in the cause of peace over the past 60 years. Their ultimate sacrifice is a reminder of human willingness to fight the destructive forces of armed conflict.
Let me conclude, Mr. President, by stating that United Nations Peacekeeping activities will continue to enjoy the active support of the States of the Eastern European Group.
Thank you.
Priopćenja
