On Friday, 29 January 2019, the Minister of National Defence Evangelos Apostolakis attended the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial on Uniformed Capabilities, Performance and Protection, which was held at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The Conference, whose aim was to examine the shaping of a fixed framework for the implementation of UK peacekeeping operations, with a specific focus on capabilities, performance, and the protection of civilians, was attended by representatives of many UN member states (mostly Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs).

In his interventions, the Minister of National Defence stressed, among others, that:

• the UN constitutes the foundation of peace and security at global level and Greece, being in line with its Charter, has always participated in its peacekeeping operations.

• currently, the Hellenic Armed Forces participate in UN operations and actions UN Interim Force in Lebanon and UN Support Mission in Libya. At the same time, the NATO Maritime Interdiction Operational Training Centre (NMIOTC) and the Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Centre (MPSOTC) contribute to capability building by providing training at international level.

• the active support of regional and local actors in UN peacekeeping operations, due to the cultural and political affinity with the communities where such operations take place, may have a positive effect on the fulfilment of their mission.

• Greece promotes bilateral and multilateral defence cooperations within the framework of promoting stability in the broader Balkans and East Mediterranean region.

• The Prespes Agreement constitutes a unique example of peaceful settlement of longstanding bilateral disputes in order to ensure peace and stability in the West Balkans. At this point, the Minister of National Defence stressed the role of UN mediation in the conclusion of the agreement.

• Continuing the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), based on the UN’s existing resolution, is deemed necessary, since it contributes to the prevention of tensions.