Jose Ramos-Horta, Chair of the UN High Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations, met the Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj Aziz, here on Monday. Horta, accompanied by two other members of the Panel, Ameerah Haq and Abhijit Guha, is visiting Pakistan for consultations on the review of the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political Missions, initiated by the UN Secretary General.
The Panel will make a comprehensive assessment of the UN peace operations and make recommendations to enhance their effectiveness in face 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 in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the participation of representatives of the Ministry of Defence, Interior and Pakistan Army. The delegation also met the Minister of Defence and the Director General of Military Operations.-PR