Oct 07 , 2015
News
Senior diplomats express disappointment with UN’s role in world peace
INPISLAMABAD: The senior diplomats and analysts, while lauding the numerous socio-economic development initiatives by the United Nations since its inception, were dismayed by the UN's failure in averting conflicts and ensuring peace, which was the foremost purpose of its existence.They were speaking at a session 'UN@70: Achievements, Failures and the Way Forward' held at the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) in Islamabad on Tuesday.The session was chaired by former foreign affairs secretary general Akram Zaki and addressed by ambassador (r) Masood Khan, former law minister Ahmar Bilal Soofi, former ambassador Asif Ezdi, former ambassador Khalid Mahmood, former Water and Power secretary Mirza Hamid Hasan, Air Commander (r) Khalid Iqbal, Brig (r) Said Nazir, Squadron Leader (r) Tariq Abdul Majeed and IPS Director General Khalid Rahman.
The analysts, despite acclaiming UN for its various development initiatives, slated the organisation for being largely ineffective against the interests of bigger states. They were of the opinion that the seeds of UN's shortcomings were sown at the very time of its establishment when the equality of nations was compromised by giving special powers to five countries while the much-fussed 'rights of self-determination' were violated with the creation of Israel against the sentiments of Palestinians.Referring particularly to the role of the UN Security Council in ensuring peace at the global level, the participants noted that despite being very active in the matters of smaller countries, the organisation failed to intervene in conflicts involving major countries, as they frequently reinterpreted international laws to suit their interests and backed them further with the notions like 'anticipatory prevention'.
UN's role in upholding the 'rule of law', they said, was affected considerably after the Russian invasion of Afghanistan and the use of force by powerful states, as well as by the non-state actors they create to achieve their objectives, has been prevalent since then, which UN has been unable to stop.Speaking of the reforms, the analysts were unanimous that there were very little chances of inclusion of any new permanent member in the UN Security Council in near future. In case of any such additions, they said, many other countries would not like to continue with the UN membership as second or third grade countries and this would eventually collapse the whole system.
The senior diplomats urged Pakistan to make use of creative diplomacy at the UN forums by basing its arguments on legal and principle points to articulate and justify its standing on various matters. Pakistan's foreign policy, they advised, should maintain that any new inclusions in the UN Security Council should be non-discriminatory and should be balanced with representations from major regions and religions.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk