Statement by Aishath Shahula, Representative of the Maldives Delegation to the United Nations General Assembly 69th Session at the Comprehensive Review of the whole Question of Peacekeeping Operations in all their Aspects

 

Mr Chairman,

Since this is the first time our delegation is taking the floor, let me take this opportunity to extend my delegation's warmest congratulations to you on your election to guide this committee and its work during the Sixty Ninth session of the General Assembly. My Delegation also welcomes the latest Report of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations.

Mr Chairman,

As we look forward to celebrate our Golden Jubilee of independence next year, and of our Membership of Maldives to the United Nations, the Maldives reaffirms its commitment to continue its journey at the United Nations. We will continue to work with the United Nations to make the world a safer and more secure place.
In continuing our engagement with the United Nations, the Maldives this year, in a new and debuting role in maintaining peace in countries that had to suffer through armed conflict, have signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Contributions to the United Nations Stand-by Arrangements System in May of this year. This undertaking emphasizes Maldives' global commitment to peace and security as well as international cooperation within the system of the United Nations. We think that every member state, no matter how small, has an obligation to contribute to the main goals of the UN, in line with its capabilities. Over the next two years, military observers as well as infantry from the Maldives will be wearing the blue helmets abroad. The Maldives' National Defense Force has longstanding experience in the protection and surveillance of Maldives' vast, open sea borders and we are therefore confident that our personnel will be a valuable addition to the peacekeeping forces of the United Nations.

As Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted at the Security Council Open Debate, on the trends in United Nations Peacekeeping "despite the challenges that peacekeeping operations face, the demand for them remains. And in order for that demand to be met, the United Nations depend on their member states". It is for this reason the Maldives was motivated to become a troop contributing country.

Mr Chairman,

The Maldives views peacekeeping as an integral part of the United Nations mandate and wishes to contribute to the efforts on Peacekeeping and Peace Building. We hope that this Committee will continue to fulfil its mandate in reviewing the vital role of peacekeeping operations in the peaceful settlement of disputes and our delegation is willing to work together with all other members of this Committee in order to sustain this goal.

Thank you.