UNSC adopts resolution to enhance ties with AU

(Image: GCIS)

Resolution 2033, adopted yesterday, Thursday 12 January 2012, urges the two bodies to work closely together in the areas of prevention and resolution of conflicts in Africa.

It was approved after an initiative by South Africa, led by President Jacob Zuma who holds the rotating presidency for the month of January.

The President said he was happy that other countries had heard the message and unanimously supported calls to strengthen the relations between the UN and regional bodies, particularly the AU.

"While we are pleased with the current relations between the two bodies we also feel that we can deepen them further for better co-ordination when it comes to dealing with issues affecting our continent. We want the views of the African Union to be respected by the UN," said President Zuma.

Zuma chaired the UNSC Summit Debate on "Strengthening the relationship between the United Nations and regional organizations in particular the African Union in the maintenance of international peace and security."

'Avoid a repeat of what happened in Libya'

During the debate the President strongly urged the UNSC to avoid a situation such as that which transpired during the conflict in Libya last year, wherein the 1973 Resolution of the UN Security Council was largely abused in some specific respects.

Zuma further warned that Africa should never be a playground for furthering the interests of other regions ever again as it happened during the Cold War.

"Conflicts in Africa will be manageable if they are not promoted or aided from outside the continent."

He also repeated his call for the fundamental reform of the UN Security Council to become more representative and legitimate.

Earlier, the President co-chaired the 6th Session of the Global Sustainability Panel (GSP) with President Tarja Halonen of Finland.

The panel dealt with issues of sustainable development, a sustainable economy and strengthening institutional governance as well as strengthening the GSP as a means of accelerating the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

Outcomes adopted by the Panel will be released to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon and also feed into preparations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio in June 2012.

Zuma also held bilateral meetings with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon on the margins of these high-level meetings.