Page 196 - 100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International_V-Petrovsky_private special edition

100 Reflections that Crafted Geneva International

V.P.: I think it is a very serious crisis, but it is generally agreed that the
presence of the UN is of paramount importance in the former Yugoslavia. We
have always concentrated on one aspect only of the UN activities - providing
humanitarian supplies. This is indeed very important. For example, in Sarajevo
the UN established the longest airlift in history. But the preventive actions of
the UN are equally important, and I think that public opinion sometimes
forgets that the UN has managed to contain the conflict within the present
border. I would like to underline the innovative approach of the UN in using
preventive deployment in The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. For
the first time, we are using troops there as a hind of preventive measure. This is
preventive diplomacy in action. So, when we analyse the situation, we should
keep in mind that the situation not only in Macedonia but in the entire area is
very complex. The presence of the UN has been able to contain the crisis and
minimize its damaging effect.

D.L.: But don't you think that the price to be paid is sometimes too high?

V.P.: Of course, the images testify to this. But we must have a broader view
of what has been done by the UN. Clearly, the problem of the protection of our
forces is also very important for us. We all speak about human rights, but our
people also have rights, and we need to protect them. And the suggestion by
the Secretary-General of the Rapid Deployment Force, working within the
structures of the UN, could answer this question. The problem is that our
troops in the former Yugoslavia are not sufficient. The new troops will allow to
continue the UN mandate, which is not to wage war on one side, but to
encourage all parties to agree on a cease-fire and to protect the cease-fire.
Another mandate is to help the two million of refugees.

D.L.: What about the lack of coordination, for example in organizing air
strikes between NATO and the UN?

V.P.: Again, such coordination is following rules that have been worked
out within the Security Council. Any kind of coordination needs improving.
Coordination is a permanently improving process. Naturally we sometimes
speak about a mistake, but you can understand that very often we are
undertaking actions in extraordinary circumstances. In the Cold War, we acted
following established precedents. Today, the situations are completely
unprecedented. And of course, sometimes mistakes are made. We should not
be afraid of mistakes. We should be afraid only if mistakes are made but lessons
are not learned. But we should understand that we are in a completely new and

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