High Level Panel to Debate AU-UN Co-Operation

Pretoria - Former Italian Prime Minister, Dr Romano Prodi and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sue van der Merwe, will today Monday 27 October participate in a roundtable discussion in Pretoria between a high-level AU-UN Panel and experts of the SADC region to look into ways in which the UN could support peacekeeping operations of regional organisations.

Dr Prodi is the Chair of the AU-UN Panel of Distinguished Persons that was appointed by the UN Secretary-General in September 2008.  This followed the adoption of UNSC resolution 1809 in April 2008 in the UNSC Summit that was chaired by former President Thabo Mbeki. 

The Panel is tasked to propose new modalities for United Nations support to peacekeeping operations of regional organisations, in particular the African Union. 

South Africa has utilised its membership of the Security Council in 2007 and 2008 to focus the attention of the international community and the Security Council, in particular, on enhancing the relationship between the United Nations and Regional Organisations.  There is recognition that while the UNSC has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, regional organisations can also play a role.  The role of regional organisations in this regard is also permitted under chapter 8 of the UN Charter.  

The AU has initiated its peacekeeping missions in Burundi, Darfur and Somalia but the Organisation also lacks adequate resources to make these missions more effective.

The roundtable discussions in Pretoria are part of ongoing consultations between the Panel and sub-regional organizations in Africa.  The Panel has met with delegations of Member States of the AU and the UN in New York and Addis Ababa.  Panel Members have also held consultations in Nairobi, Kenya, with experts of the East African region.  The Panel is expected to submit its report to the United Nations Secretary-General before the end of 2008.

Deputy Minister Sue van der Merwe will deliver the opening remarks and host a dinner in honour of the Panel. 

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
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27 October 2008