Diplomacy, economic sanctions, arms embargoes and political pressure will reduce risk and costs as compared to military intervention in an escalated conflict. We could avoid the loss of life, and escape generalized human misery. As a result of timely prevention, we could also avoid the immense costs for rehabilitation, resettlement and reconstruction that arise after violence is over. Military intervention, under UN auspices, for humanitarian purposes may be necessary in certain conflict situations. But it should always be a means of last resort.
Intervention implies that prevention has failed.
Mr. President, effective use should be made of development aid for conflict prevention and peace building as a complement to preventive diplomacy. This is no small matter. It is a major challenge for the consultative machinery within the UN as well as for its operational programmes. This requires an integrated approach, with consultations on social, economic and environmental issues at a high level of decision making, in line with those on peace and security. And that would be only the beginning of a long list.