Today, the Security Council reiterated the importance of cooperative efforts between the United Nations and Member States to enhance the role of the media in promoting peace and security. This afternoon’s open Council meeting focused on the role of the press in international peace and security, particularly the responsibility of the mass media in preventing conflicts and supporting peacemaking efforts.
The meeting heard from numerous speakers on the need for greater awareness of how media plays a role in pre-conflict situations, particularly as a platform for minority rights, a safe environment for dispute resolution, a tool for diminishing sources of conflict, and a credible instrument of conflict prevention, particularly for the political, human rights, conflict management and peacekeeping activities of international or regional organizations. The meeting consisted of statements delivered by over 50 speakers, acting in their national capacities.
Following is the text of Security Council meeting 4973 (Resumed) held on 17 June 2004 from the United Nations Department of Public Information. Speaking at the meeting were the representatives of Mexico, the United Republic of Tanzania, Qatar, Norway, the Russian Federation, Greece, the United States, Indonesia, Japan, Angola, Chile, Pakistan, New Zealand, France, Australia, China, Brazil, United Kingdom, Algeria, Ghana, Romania, India, Nigeria, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Canada, Iraq (with interpretation), Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, Holy See, Iran, Viet Nam, South Africa, Malaysia, Sweden, Yemen, Colombia, Fiji, Singapore, Argentina and Costa Rica. The Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict also made a statement, as did the representative of the European Union and the Observer of Palestine. The Council adopted resolution 1539 (2004), and the President made a final statement.