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With conflicts continuing to claim innocent lives across the world, a single day designated to ask for laying down the sword is something more than symbolic. Commemorations were made around the world Thursday, the World Day of Peace, to promote the ideals of peace and non-violence. The United Nations promulgated the day in 1981 with the objective of strengthening the spirit of peace among diverse ethnic groups worldwide. It was in 2001 that its interpretation was given as the day of non-violence to observe a ceasefire among conflicting parties. The day should be devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. It is meant to get people not just thinking about peace, but taking action to bring it about. Early this week, Premier Wen Jiabao made public China's new commitment to UN peacekeeping missions. The Chinese Government is resolved to expand its blue helmet soldiers in Lebanon to 1,000, China's largest peacekeeping deployment to date. A permanent member of the Security Council, China is playing an increasing role in maintaining peace and security throughout the world. China is in favor of strengthening the rapid deployment capability of UN peacekeeping operations. It is ready and working hard to make a greater contribution to the operations. This has been done under the principles that China cherishes dearly. The function and modality of peacekeeping operations have been changing constantly with newly emerging issues and problems. The starting point for peacekeeping operations, nevertheless, should be respected as always. It is for observing the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, especially the principles of respect for state sovereignty and non-interference in any country's internal affairs. The UN should concentrate more of its efforts and resources on the field of development and strive to eliminate the root causes of conflict to ensure a peaceful international environment of long-term stability. Disputes must be settled through peaceful means, such as mediation, negotiation and good offices. Compulsory means should not be adopted indiscreetly, nor should military means be resorted to even for humanitarian ends. The principles that have effectively facilitated peacekeeping operations should be honored. They include obtaining agreement beforehand from the country in question, strictly observing neutrality and prohibiting the use of force except for self-defence. Peacekeeping operations can really work as long as we work to promote unity based on our shared humanity. (China Daily September 22, 2006)
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