UN credibility depends on success of peacekeeping operations: Maleeha.

Pakistan said at the UN that the credibility of the world body depends on the success of its peacekeeping operations.

Speaking in the debate of the UN Security Council on Strengthening Peacekeeping Operations in Africa, Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN, Maleeha Lodhi, said that the Security Council must take into consideration the views of troop contributing countries in evolving and updating mandates for their deployment and operations.

The Pakistani envoy told the 15- member Council that as one of the world's top troop contributors to the UN's Blue Helmets, 'Pakistan's brave peacekeepers continue to be deployed in Africa and have contributed to many of Africa's success stories, from Liberia to Cote d' Ivoire to Sierra Leone'.

She said that Pakistani peacekeepers have worked in difficult and at times dangerous situations, but have never shied away from fulfilling their mandates.

Ambassador Lodhi said that well-trained and professional peacekeepers from Pakistan have protected civilians, provided much-needed medical care and rebuilt communities in many conflict zones around the world.

Urging the Security Council to invest more in sustainable and predictable funding, Ambassador Lodhi stressed that 'successful peacekeeping was a two-way street'. 'Its success depends as much on the dedication and professionalism of peacekeepers, as on adequacy of resources and realistic and achievable mandates', she added.

'Pakistan, she reiterated, 'remains committed to exploring and supporting initiatives that help improve peacekeeping to make it fit for purpose and adapt better to changing environments and needs'.

The Pakistani envoy also stressed that regional countries were better equipped to understand the...