Remarks by the Prime Minister

H.E. Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit's Statement Roundtable Discussion on UN Peacekeeping Doctrine

Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen

I would like to begin by welcoming our dear guests in Jordan and wishing them a very pleasant stay. It is indeed my most pleasure to be among my comrades in arms, especially from countries that are so dear to us in Jordan, and I thank you for giving me the opportunity to say a few words before you start your working meetings. Today what we hold in common is joining us, and that is our ethical heritage, and the mutual respect for peace, justice, and compassion. These values are the strongest foundation for solving disagreements, providing a platform upon which people of different faiths and races can work together, toward a future in which all can find security, opportunity, and peace. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has always been committed to peaceful means for the resolution of conflicts, and has always believed that regional and international cooperation is essential for bringing about and consolidating peace and stability. Accordingly, Jordan has supported all efforts for achieving peace in its region and beyond, and since 1989; the Jordanian Armed Forces have actively participated in the collective security arrangements sponsored by the United Nations in different parts of the world. Jordan’s strong and sustained commitment to such operations underline the high priority accorded by the Jordanian leadership to the UN activities in the field of peacekeeping and peace building. As viewed by Jordan, international peace and security are not an exclusive task of the UN or the Security Council, but an international collective responsibility, and the achievement of these noble goals requires the cooperation of all members of the international community. Jordan has repeatedly expressed its readiness to take part in any effort aimed at achieving this objective, and to that end, we highly welcome the holding of this meeting in Amman.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

The role of the United Nations as a major international Organization to preserve peace and discourage aggression has broadened enormously since the end of the cold war. Nations are coming together often under the auspices of the UN to develop ways to lessen the threat of violence that erupted in various regions of the world. However, traditional peacekeeping has evolved from monitoring peace in interstate conflicts into stopping internal wars by force, assistance to victims of war, and building political systems. This evolution and these new responsibilities have carried so many implications to states contributing to peacekeeping operations, and entailed new requirements and challenges to their militaries, also it has incurred significant risks and costs. Which indeed requires a doctrine for UN peacekeeping that will set out the guiding principles and core objectives of UN peacekeeping operations, and define the limits of UN peacekeeping in relation to the evolved peace and security instruments and activities, and serve as a basis for the training and preparation of military, police and civilian peacekeeping personnel. This roundtable of senior experts and notable officials, provide a great opportunity to exchange your valuable views and draw on your countries experiences and lessons in the field, to help develop the doctrine in a clear, practical and objective manner.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Jordan's contribution in peacekeeping operations is a source of pride for the Jordanian people, just as your countries contribution is a source of pride for your respective nations. Working closely with your friendly armies in peacekeeping operations has been an opportunity to expose Jordan’s military to a new experience and has had a favorable impact on its ability to carry out future peace support operations. With a salute of pride, I greet all peacekeeping troops on every span of the world, assuring them of our appreciation for their great responsibilities and sacrifices. I finally wish you very successful and fruitful deliberations.

Thank you