Defence
Regional Forces Ready To Help PNG In Its UN Role
But nation is still making up its mind
The Fiji military has made a commitment to assist its Pacific brother, the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, gain exposure in international peacekeeping activities under the United Nations Charter.
Fiji Military Force’s chief-of-staff, Colonel George Kadavulevu made the commitment while making a presentation at a seminar at the University of Papua New Guinea recently. He said Papua New Guinea could draw a lot of support from the more experienced Fiji armed forces through training and attachments.
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Representatives from the New Zealand and Australian defence forces, who were also at the two-day seminar, also indicated their desire to assist Papua New Guinea if they were approached.
Papua New Guinea’s is now actively pursuing a role in the United Nations peacekeeping force as its defence force undergoes reforms to have a “young, lean and efficient force capable of responding to internal security needs and international obligations” and also generating revenue for the national coffers.
The proposal was the topic of discussion for the first time at a public forum held at the University of Papua New Guinea.
The two-day seminar titled “Papua New Guinea Defence Force-Peacekeeping Project” was aimed at gauging the views of the general public.
The proposal (which will form the basis of a policy paper for deliberations in Parliament) comes at the time when its foreign policy is being reviewed.
Papua New Guinea defence force commander, Peter Ilau said the issue of its participation in United Nations peacekeeping activities is not new. “It has been discussed before. But the issue should be taken seriously now that the world is becoming a global village and the issue of security and peace among nations is becoming more and more a pro-active approach to global peace.”
Ilau said the defence force is required by law to meet international obligations. “This is one of the military’s key roles as stated in Papua New Guinea’s constitution and this is the reason for the seminar here,” he said.
He also said that in light of Papua New Guinea’s economic problems, the government had challenged all departments to “contribute to economic recovery” by pursuing incentives.
“Thus deployment of troops for UN missions, particularly in non-combat and non-military activities, is the way to go, although it is not an easy task.”
Ilau said the defence force has done some research on the proposal over the last 15 months and the seminar was basically to gauge the public’s views.
Lt Colonel Bob Campbell (New Zealand Defence Force) and Commander Ian Parker (Australian Defence Force) and Colonel Kadavulevu were invited to address the seminar on their respective armed forces’ experience at the United Nations peacekeeping missions.
They each presented papers relating to the benefits derived from participating in peacekeeping operations, expectations of the United Nations from a new country taking part in peacekeeping operations and training opportunities and benefits that can be expected.
The three countries have been involved in United Nations peacekeeping missions in many parts of the world for a long time. Benefits, they said, are many:
- At the national level, countries whose forces take part get recognition as a good global citizen from the international community.
- High level of respect for Papua New Guinea as a country if it commits its troops to international obligations.
- Within the defence force, it will provide a pool of experienced officers and instil national pride among personnel taking part in the missions.
- They also get training in real war situations, and gain valuable experience in a broad range of operations.
- Soldiers and officers also enhance their knowledge of other militaries and their backgrounds to name just a few.
But there are a number of issues they need to deal with if Papua New Guinea gets the nod to be part of the United Nations peacekeeping missions, they warned. These include:
- The United Nations requires the participating country to train its troops to set standards, provide own ammunition and cater for the needs of their own troops deployed.
- The government must expect soldiers (deployed to missions) to be good, well trained and disciplined. One ill-disciplined soldier making just one mistake can tarnish the image of the country they represent and the entire force.
- The government while sending troops to international missions must take into consideration that it cannot compromise national interests with international obligations.
- PNG government and the PNGDF must be prepared because reimbursement from the United Nations is very slow. For this reason, there must be political will and support for troops on international missions.
