Through the cut of nearly 20 percent in manpower resources, DPKO lost valuable expertise and continuity in key positions. This is not a satisfactory situation. The Department for Peacekeeping Operations needs sufficient personnel for both running business, planning, contingency planning and for the draw down of finished operations. Unless we are willing to commit the needed resources, we make it difficult for the United Nations to live up to our aspiration. I would appeal for countries to translate their political support given in this committee to the necessary financial decisions in the 5th Committee.
Adequate resources are more than finance.
The UN needs well trained and well equipped peace keepers at its ready disposal. At present there are only three people in the training unit. We need much more focus on this issue. Handling of crisis is a responsibility for all of us, not only for a few nations. The Stand-by system could be more focussed and efficient.