SECRETARY-GENERAL, IN ADDRESS TO UNIKOM TROOPS, SAYS THEY HAVE KEPT INTERNATIONAL IDEALS ALIVE
Press Release
SG/SM/5860
SECRETARY-GENERAL, IN ADDRESS TO UNIKOM TROOPS, SAYS THEY HAVE KEPT INTERNATIONAL IDEALS ALIVE
19951228 Following is the text of an address delivered by Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali to the troops of the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM):Fifty years ago, the founders of the United Nations laid the foundations for an institution to serve humanity. At the same time, it would be a human institution. It would be a living organization of governments and peoples. It would be devoted to the ideals of peace and justice, human rights and international law, economic and social development.
As the founders envisioned, the United Nations has evolved over time. It has adapted to new conditions. It has continued to work towards its goal of a better life for all individuals, and a better world for humanity as a whole.
No one is more familiar with this flexibility -- this essential human character of the United Nations -- than the staff of the United Nations, especially those who do the day-to-day work of peace-keeping. They have kept alive the ideal of international life, even through the most difficult of times. Today, the Organization is called to new levels of service, often involving unprecedented tasks. United Nations staff members continue to work with courage, creativity and tireless energy to bring humanity closer to its ideals.
The UNIKOM's mandate is typical of the new generation of United Nations missions. It was established by the Security Council in 1991 under Chapter VII of the Charter. Its mandate was to monitor the Khor Abd Allah, and the demilitarized zone, and to observe any hostile or potentially hostile action mounted from the territory of one State to the other. An infantry battalion was added to your strength. Two years ago, the Security Council expanded your mandate. You were asked to prevent, or redress, violations of the demilitarized zone.
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The UNIKOM is also typical of United Nations operations in another way. The mission has been a success. Military observers have come from 32 countries. There has been good cooperation from both Iraq and Kuwait. The operation has been effective and efficient.
Everyone working for the United Nations is today having to face the consequences of the financial crisis confronting the Organization. I have had to instruct all peace-keeping missions to study ways of cutting costs and streamlining operations. The fact is that Member States are asking us to do more with less. It is a challenge to which we can and should rise.
In conclusion, my thanks to you all for your vital work for peace; my best wishes, as the New Year brings new challenges; and the compliments of the season!
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