Disir
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- Sep 30, 2011
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Both China and Russia are angling for a bigger say in how and where the United Nations conducts peacekeeping operations, causing an unexpected and politically disruptive wrinkle in the Liberal government's foreign policy agenda.
Backroom manoeuvring and horse-trading among Security Council members — related to the selection of the new secretary general — could see Beijing put in charge of the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations, according to multiple sources in New York and Ottawa.
Although no decision has been made, a UN official said he's heard the rumblings.
"From our perspective, the nationality is less important than making sure whoever leads the department does so in a manner that is competent and helps us to address the very real challenges we have going forward," said Nick Birnback, the chief spokesman for the peacekeeping operations department.
"It's a very difficult time for peacekeeping. We're stretched. We're deployed in some of the toughest theatres of operation on the planet. And we need somebody who can lead us effectively."
Similarly, Moscow is apparently aiming to run the UN's Department of Political Affairs, which plays a central role in preventing and resolving conflicts.
"We do believe that Russia should be properly represented in the Secretariat," Russia's UN ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, said earlier this week. "We are not the only ones who are expressing our interests in various positions."
Conservatives see 'red flag' as China and Russia aim for key UN peacekeeping roles
I sense good times ahead.
Backroom manoeuvring and horse-trading among Security Council members — related to the selection of the new secretary general — could see Beijing put in charge of the UN's Department of Peacekeeping Operations, according to multiple sources in New York and Ottawa.
Although no decision has been made, a UN official said he's heard the rumblings.
"From our perspective, the nationality is less important than making sure whoever leads the department does so in a manner that is competent and helps us to address the very real challenges we have going forward," said Nick Birnback, the chief spokesman for the peacekeeping operations department.
"It's a very difficult time for peacekeeping. We're stretched. We're deployed in some of the toughest theatres of operation on the planet. And we need somebody who can lead us effectively."
Similarly, Moscow is apparently aiming to run the UN's Department of Political Affairs, which plays a central role in preventing and resolving conflicts.
"We do believe that Russia should be properly represented in the Secretariat," Russia's UN ambassador, Vitaly Churkin, said earlier this week. "We are not the only ones who are expressing our interests in various positions."
Conservatives see 'red flag' as China and Russia aim for key UN peacekeeping roles
I sense good times ahead.
