Article: Berger at the UN

Representatives of war-torn countries
urge stepped-up UN peacekeeping

(UN News Centre. 22 September.) Addressing the General Assembly's high-level debate this afternoon, leaders from countries ravaged by conflict - both ongoing and resolved - urged broad support for enhanced United Nations peacekeeping…

The President of Guatemala, Oscar Berger Perdomo, described how his country was working to cut back on its armed forces and to professionalize them. "This programme is consistent with the function the armed forces are to perform in times of peace," he said. "It has included, at the international level, greater participation by the Guatemalan army in United Nations peace operations."

He also stressed the importance of fighting crime, juvenile gangs and organized crime, as well as drug trafficking, terrorism, smuggling, money laundering, human trafficking and the illegal gun trade, "all of which are a huge challenge that cannot be met without the support of the international community." In addition, he paid tribute to the UN Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA), which, after 10 years of "fruitful" work, is coming to the end of its mandate. "MINUGUA has left behind a significant legacy in our country," he said.

Read the complete speech in English

Watch the video in English