Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Apr 1996

Vol. 464 No. 4

Written Answers. - UN Consultation Process.

Eric J. Byrne

Question:

61 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress, if any, that has been made in placing the consultation process between UN Peace-keeping troop contributing countries and the UN Security Council on a more formal basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8373/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

As a troop contributing country of long standing, Ireland has consistently supported efforts to strengthen and improve the consultation process and exchange of information between the Security Council, the Secretary-General and troop contributing states. We have in recent months, in association with EU partners and other troop contributing states, intensified these efforts to have the Security Council review and improve the procedures initially set in place in November 1994. I am pleased to report that these efforts have been successful and that they resulted in a decision of the Security Council, on 28 March 1996, to introduce new and revised procedures to strengthen and improve consultation and exchange of information with troop contributors.

Under the new procedures, meetings will be held as a matter of course, under the chairmanship of the President of the Security Council, between members of the Security Council, troop contributing countries and the UN secretariat for the purpose of consultations and an exchange of information and views. Member states which make special contributions, other than the provision of troops, to peace-keeping operations will also be invited to attend. The meetings will be held in good time before any decision of the Council on extending, modifying or terminating the mandate of any peace-keeping operation, and as a general rule will be indicated in the monthly work perogramme of the Council. These meetings will also be in addition to those which are convened and chaired by the secretariat for troop contributors to meet with special representatives of the secretary-general or force commanders, or to discuss operational matters, to which members of the Security Council will also be invited.

The new procedures also provide forad hoc meetings to be convened in the event of unforeseen developments in a peace-keeping operation which may require action by the council. The council also undertakes in regard to new peace-keeping operations to hold meetings, unless impracticable, with prospective troop contributor states who have indicated they may be willing to provide troops to the operation.

There is also an undertaking that these meetings will be better prepared by circulation of information and agenda in advance to participants. Furthermore the President of the Security Council will report to members of the Security Council on the views expressed at these sessions with troop contributors. The annual report made by the Security Council to the United Nations General Assembly will have an appendix containing information on meetings held with troop contribiting states.

The new consultation and information sharing procedures are a clear recognition on the part of the Security Council that it is essential that the views of troop contributing countries are heard, a position which Ireland and other states have long maintained. The arrangements proposed should, if properly utilised, lead to more frequent and more informed meetings between the Security Council, the secretary-general and troop contributing states and, through improved reporting procedures, insure that members of the Security Council are aware, on a continuing basis, of the views of troop contributors on specific peace-keeping operations.