China underlines coherence between peacekeeping and peacebuilding

The coherence between peacekeeping and peacebuilding should be enhanced when formulating mandates for UN peacekeeping, China said here on Monday.

Li Baodong, the Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, made the statement while speaking at an open debate of the UN Security Council on a multidimensional approach to UN peacekeeping.

"The correlation between peacekeeping and peacebuilding is important. When formulating mandates, priority must be given to the urgent need of consolidating and maintaining peace," Li said.

"Peacebuilding is a long-term arduous task and can not be achieved by peacekeeping operations alone," Li noted. "The United Nations should mobilize the capacities of such important actors as the World Bank and other international stakeholders in the overall effort to strengthen peacebuilding activities."

The Chinese envoy also pointed out that peacekeeping missions, while carrying out their mandate, should follow the principle of respect for the sovereignty and wishes of host countries, and ensure that their activities are aligned with host country needs.

"It is necessary to consider the current situation on the ground while keeping an eye on long-term issues. The inclusion of peacebuilding functions in some peacekeeping mandates must be accompanied by the provision of the necessary human and financial resources," he added.