Press Release.............................. UNESCAP News Services

Date 29 May 2004
Press Release No: L/27/2004

Lieutenant General Daniel Ishmael Opande - The UNMIL Force Commander's Message on the Day of UN International Peacekeepers - 29 May 2004

Friends and my fellow peacekeepers,

I am delighted to greet you on this Day of International Peacekeepers. This day commemorates the sacrifice and selfless commitment of peacekeepers serving in various corners of the world. It signifies the tremendous commitments made by the peacekeepers to alleviate the suffering of many in the world and to reconcile the warring parties in the several continents.

Many years ago, soldiers were sent to the battlefield under a new flag and with a new mission; to counter violence with tolerance, might with moderation and war with peace.

Peacekeeping missions today are much more complex than they were then. The duties and responsibilities of peacekeepers have grown. Of course we still undertake the critical important task of building confidence through monitoring ceasefires and demilitarized zones. But today's peacekeepers are also engaged in policing and training and ensuring that human rights and gender equality are observed. They have built administrations in Namibia and East Timor. And here in Liberia, they are disarming and demobilizing belligerents, as well as helping the new transitional government establish the rule of law.

Today, there are over 14, 000 UN peacekeepers deployed in this mission. They come from over 55 countries. On this day, we also remember each one of those peacekeepers who have fallen while serving in the UN peacekeeping operations. Despite such sacrifices, the mission of the peacekeepers continues. Peacekeeping by itself cannot end war. But it can help prevent a recurrence of violence and civil conflict. Above all, it gives time and space for conflict resolution to take root. It gives peace a chance. That is what peacekeeping is all about.

Finally, I am proud to salute the peacekeepers serving today in Liberia and around the world, and to pay tribute to those who have served in the past. Their sacrifice has made the world a safer place.

Thank You

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