UN General Assembly
1993

reappearance of claims of numerous national minorities suppressed under communism, and with them the danger of disputed borders; and, on top of these, the economic collapse and heavy transition costs in the former communist countries, as well as the re-emergence of nationalism, national antagonisms, religious fanaticism and populist tendencies. All of these issues have set the stage for a new approach to the question of security and stability in Europe, which has emerged as the major issue of political importance in the old continent. Let me also emphasize that security in Europe is linked to the economic development and maturity of the democratic process and institutions in Eastern Europe, the Balkan peninsula and the Maghreb. Uncontrolled and unlimited migration resulting from political turmoil and economic hardship in these countries could cause social and economic problems affecting even the more prosperous countries in Western Europe. The significance of the United Nations in maintaining peace has grown dramatically. It is enough to compare the 13 peace-keeping operations undertaken during the first 42 years of its existence with the same number of operations