Chinese envoy calls for feasible mandates for UN peacekeeping operations

The Security Council should make sure that the mandates for UN peacekeeping operations are feasible so that they could guide the focus and priorities for each stage of the operations, said a Chinese envoy Thursday.

Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at a General Assembly meeting on peacekeeping operations.

"There should be clearer focus with the emphasis on practical results," said Liu. "Adjustments should be made to the scale of one operation as well as its mandate in light of the situation on the ground, and the council should formulate exit strategy at an appropriate time."

The Security Council determines when and where a UN peacekeeping operation should be deployed. The most powerful UN body establishes a peacekeeping operation by adopting a Security Council resolution, which sets out the mission's mandate and size.

Liu said the UN must enhance communication with troop contributing countries and give them greater say on issues related to peacekeeping operations so that they can take the initiative to improve their capacity in carrying out its mandate.

Liu also called for full respect for the sovereignty of the peacekeeping host countries. "Peacekeeping operations should help them in enhancing capacity building in peace and security so that they can continue to maintain stability after withdrawal of the operations."

"As a permanent member of the Security Council and the largest developing country, China is the main troop contributor in peacekeeping operations and has always been staunchly supportive of UN peacekeeping operations," Liu noted.

He said China will implement its commitments to UN peacekeeping operations and stands ready to work with the UN Secretariat, peacekeeping host countries, and troop-contributing countries to make new and greater contributions. Endi