Dutch FM: UN missions need more support from Western nations

Western countries do too little to support United Nations peace keeping missions, while they are the ones who can help the most because they have the right resources, Minster Bert Koenders of Foreign Affairs said in a speech at the UN in New York on Tuesday. "Western countries have technologically advanced equipment. That is why these countries are indispensable for the success of an UN mission", Koenders said, according to NU.nl. He called on Western countries to come up with proposals to improve peacekeeping missions and to contribute, for example in the field of intelligence. Over the past 20 years fewer and fewer Western countries showed willingness to support and participate in peacekeeping missions. And this while the UN is often the only party that can legitimately and effectively intervene. This is a shame, according to the minister. "Standing on the sidelines complaining is not an option. Ultimately we are all responsible for the success of the UN", he said.