UN General Assembly
1992

Yes, our peace mission is above all a matter of prevention: preventing conflicts, or preventing them from worsening and spreading. France therefore welcomed with keen interest the Secretary-General's proposals in his "Agenda for Peace". These set forth in outline form a charter for preventive diplomacy which is urgently needed. Once the Gulf War was over, the President of the French Republic underlined the need for new thinking. I am glad to see that this new thinking is now well under way and that France's proposals are being considered. I am also pleased that the European Community is offering specific assistance. I should like to confirm today, from this rostrum, France's commitment to make available to the Secretary-General, at any time, a contingent of 1,000 men for a peace-keeping operation. I hope that this example will be followed, for our Organization must be sure that it can react quickly and forcefully as soon as there is a threat of a conflict or a conflict flares up. Reinforcement of preventive action should also encourage us to continue