Peace-keeping, decolonization reviewed.

• Position: UN General Assembly Fourth Committee activities

Peacemaking activities--described by the General Assembly as an "essential function of the United Nations"--were among the "important means for the prevention, containment and resolution of disputes, the continuance of which is likely to endanger the maintenance of international peace and security", the world body declared on 9 December.

Acting on the recommendation of its Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization), the Assembly, by resolution 49/37, provided detailed guidelines for UN peace-keeping operations, covering among other things: definition, evaluation and implementation of mandates; model agreements with troop contributors; consultation and coordination mechanisms; command and control; finances and resources; safety and security of UN personnel; and cooperation with regional organizations.

Approving a total of 35 texts (28 resolutions and 7 decisions), the Fourth Committee--merged in 1993 with the former Special Political Committee--considered a variety of issues, ranging from protection and security of small States, the peaceful uses of outer space, the effects of atomic radiation, Palestinian issues, to questions relating to information and decolonization.

Committee Chairman Boris M. Hudyma of Ukraine, in an opening address on 5 October, said that any new strategies regarding the remaining 18 Non-Self-Governing...