With conflicts continuing to claim innocent lives across the
world, a single day designated to ask for laying down the sword is
something more than symbolic.
Commemorations were made around the world Thursday, the World
Day of Peace, to promote the ideals of peace and non-violence.
The United Nations promulgated the day in 1981 with the
objective of strengthening the spirit of peace among diverse ethnic
groups worldwide. It was in 2001 that its interpretation was given
as the day of non-violence to observe a ceasefire among conflicting
parties.
The day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the
ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
It is meant to get people not just thinking about peace, but
taking action to bring it about.
Early this week, Premier Wen Jiabao made public China's new commitment
to UN peacekeeping missions. The Chinese Government is resolved to
expand its blue helmet soldiers in Lebanon to 1,000, China's
largest peacekeeping deployment to date.
A permanent member of the Security Council, China is playing an
increasing role in maintaining peace and security throughout the
world.
China is in favor of strengthening the rapid deployment
capability of UN peacekeeping operations. It is ready and working
hard to make a greater contribution to the operations.
This has been done under the principles that China cherishes
dearly.
The function and modality of peacekeeping operations have been
changing constantly with newly emerging issues and problems.
The starting point for peacekeeping operations, nevertheless,
should be respected as always. It is for observing the purposes and
principles of the UN Charter, especially the principles of respect
for state sovereignty and non-interference in any country's
internal affairs.
These principles should remain the important basis for the UN
peacekeeping operations to proceed.
The UN should concentrate more of its efforts and resources on
the field of development and strive to eliminate the root causes of
conflict to ensure a peaceful international environment of
long-term stability.
Disputes must be settled through peaceful means, such as
mediation, negotiation and good offices. Compulsory means should
not be adopted indiscreetly, nor should military means be resorted
to even for humanitarian ends.
The principles that have effectively facilitated peacekeeping
operations should be honored. They include obtaining agreement
beforehand from the country in question, strictly observing
neutrality and prohibiting the use of force except for
self-defence.
Peacekeeping operations can really work as long as we work to
promote unity based on our shared humanity.
(China Daily September 22, 2006)
