UN General Assembly
1998

activities, humanitarian assistance, demining, disarmament measures, demobilization, reintegration of former soldiers, 9 enhancing and monitoring respect for human rights and, last but not least, public information. At United Nations Headquarters, this requires a strong Department of Peacekeeping Operations which is able to fulfil its functions effectively. In the wake of the decision by the General Assembly to reduce progressively the number of posts filled by personnel on loan, we strongly underline that the Departmentâs expertise and gains of recent years must be retained. The European Union is gravely concerned about the increasing security threat to United Nations personnel in the field, not least to unarmed military observers and civilian personnel. Bearing in mind the responsibility of the United Nations and Member States towards those participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations, we wish to recall the obligation of host countries and parties to conflicts to ensure the safety of these operations. I would like to express our admiration and gratitude to all the men and women who serve under the banner of the