Challenging times ahead for peacekeeping operations.

• Position: PeaceWatch

United Nations activities in peace and security focussed on the prevention and resolution of conflict and the provision of assistance to post-conflict societies across the globe. In 2004, complex peacekeeping operations will face many interrelated challenges, including disarmament, demobilization and reintegration; humanitarian assistance; institution-building; strengthening the rule of law; electoral assistance in post-conflict environments; and demining activities. It is often dangerous work, and last year, 86 uniformed and civilian staff lost their lives while working in UN peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

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As of mid-June, the United Nations administers 16 peacekeeping operations on three continents that deploy approximately 60,000 military personnel and civilian police. The number of operations has significantly increased, which will stretch the UN system to the limits of its capacity.

MIDDLE EAST

Hailing an end to the occupation of Iraq, the UN Security Council on 28 June welcomed the handover earlier that day of full responsibility and authority to the country's "fully sovereign and independent" interim Government, while condemning the ongoing violence. In a press statement read by Council President Lauro L. Baja, Jr. of the Philippines, members also underscored the proposed timetable for the political transition, the possibility of an international meeting and "the leading role of the United Nations to assist the interim Government of Iraq in implementing the political process" with elections to be held no later than the end of January 2005. "The members of the Council call on all Iraqis to implement these arrangements peaceably and in full", and all States and relevant organizations were also called upon to support the interim Government in this process, Ambassador Baja said.

On 8 June, the Council had unanimously adopted resolution 1546 (2004), endorsing a timetable for the political transition of Iraqi sovereignty from the United States-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) to an interim Government of Iraq by 30 June, when CPA would cease to exist. The multinational force will stay in Iraq at the request of the interim Government, and its mandate could be reviewed or terminated before its scheduled expiration in December 2005 should Iraq ask for it. The resolution also gives Iraqis authority over oil and gas revenues, although the International Advisory and Monitoring Board will continue to audit the account.

According to the resolution the United Nations will help convene a national conference, assist in the organization of elections to be held no later than January 2005, and help draft a constitution. The Secretary-General said the resolution was a "genuine expression" of the international community's will "to come together again after last year's divisions and to help the Iraqi people take charge of their own political destiny, in...