Statement [on the item entitled "The role of the Security Council in the prevention of armed conflicts"]
Statement made on behalf of the Security Council, 4073rd meeting, 30 Nov. 1999, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The role of the Security Council in the prevention of armed conflicts" / President, Security Council

Recognizes the importance of building a culture of prevention of armed conflicts and the need for a contribution from all principal organs of the UN in that regard; recognizes that early warning, preventive diplomacy, preventive deployment, preventive disarmament and post-conflict peace-building are interdependent and complementary components of a comprehensive conflict prevention strategy; emphasizes the important role of the Secretary-General in the prevention of armed conflicts; invites the Secretary-General to present to the members of the Council periodic reports on such disputes, including, as appropriate, early warnings and proposals for preventive measures. In this regard the Council encourages the Secretary-General to improve further his capacity to identify potential threats to international peace and security and invites him to indicate any requirements to fulfil these capacities, including the development of the Secretariat's expertise and resources; emphasizes the crucial importance of disarmament and the non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the means of their delivery for the maintenance of international peace and security; recalls the provisions of Art. 39 of the Charter of the UN concerning measures to prevent armed conflicts. Such measures may include targeted sanctions, in particular arms embargoes and other enforcement measures. In imposing such measures the Council will pay special attention to their likely effectiveness in achieving clearly defined objectives, while avoiding negative humanitarian consequences as much as possible; emphasizes the importance of cooperation between the UN and regional organizations in preventive activities in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter of the UN; will consider the possibility of holding further orientation debates and strengthening its cooperation with the Economic and Social Council; will also consider the possibility of a meeting at the level of Foreign Ministers on the issue of prevention of armed conflicts during the Millennium Assembly.

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Statement made by the President on behalf of the Security Council at the 4073rd meeting, 30 Nov. 1999.