Mr. President,
 
I wish to congratulate you for convening this important first Summit of the Security Council in the new Millennium. Today, many of the items on the Council's agenda concern Africa and I am, therefore, grateful to participate in this meeting chaired by you my Brother and Colleague. I would also like to reiterate here the pride and confidence that Namibia continues to have in our Secretary-General, another son of Africa. I commend him for his tireless efforts in the interest of peace and conflict resolution in the world. That is why the thoughtful Report of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations is so important and timely.
 
Mr. President,
 
The topic on our agenda today has further significance to my delegation. It was exactly 10 years ago that Namibia attained independence, which was preceded by a long and protracted liberation struggle against apartheid colonialism. Our independence was assisted by a very successful peacekeeping operation, the United Nations Transitional Assistance Group (UNTAG). UNTAG succeeded, by and large, because our people were ready for independence and change for a better future.
 
There were, however, some failures. It is therefore, significant that the Council consider constructive ways and means to further strengthen its role in the maintenance of international peace and security.
 
Given the present situation today, it is imperative that special attention be given to Africa's many conflicts and needs.
 
In the view of my delegation, the following are some of the important matters that the Council should pay close attention to:
 
      Firstly, the Council should, at all times, uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. It should ensure equal importance to, and undertake swift response to the breaches of international peace and security in all regions of the world, and not treat Africa only as an afterthought.
 
      Secondly, recent events have demonstrated the invaluable role that regional and sub-regional organisations such as the OAU, SADC and ECOWAS can play in maintaining or restoring international peace and security. The efforts of these organisations should be supported on the basis of ensuring regular consultations and cooperation.
 
      Thirdly, the use of sanctions have had varied successes towards maintaining or restoring international peace and security. Their appropriateness should be thoroughly reviewed for each situation. Sanctions regimes should not be open ended. However, they remain a valuable tool to use in various situations where wars and rebel atrocities are fuelled by the illegal trade in diamonds and other natural resources.
 
      The situations in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone are cases in point. Sanctions can be used in the same way to curb the illicit arms flow to and in Africa, which endanger lives and threaten peace and security as well as seriously hampering development on the continent.
 
      Fourthly, when peacekeeping operations are approved, they should be provided with appropriate  mandates and adequate resources.
 
     Fifthly, due attention should be given to the root causes of conflict such as poverty and under development. The Council should join other United Nations bodies to develop comprehensive and integrated strategies to address the root causes.
 
Mr. President,
 
There are many other issues that require attention, but time does not permit us to discuss all of them here. However, the reform and enlargement of the Security Council should be expedited. An early decision on this matter will greatly enhance the effectiveness, transparency and democratic character of the Security Council.
 
The Security Council, together with the other bodies of the United Nations, can undoubtedly, achieve many more successes in the future if it is properly reconstituted commensurate with the change of times and new demands for the United Nations.
 
In conclusion Mr. President, my delegation fully supports the statement that we will adopt later today.
 
I thank you.