United Nations Radio

The Foreign Minister of Tanzania Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro has called on the newly established United Nations Peace Building Commission to focus its early attention on the countries of the Great Lakes Region.

Speaking in the Security Council, which is chaired by Tanzania, she said the Council is a key partner in promoting and maintaining peace and security in the region. Dr. Migiro said that violent conflicts, human displacements and refugee influxes that have plagued the region for decades have adversely affected everyone.

"We therefore have to work together to avoid a repeat of such catastrophes and create a better future for our people. We need collective political will to prevent and resolve conflicts, consolidate peace and build institutions of democratic governance, rule of law and respect for human rights."

Dr. Migiro said that peace is a necessary pre-requisite for development, which, in turn, reinforces political stability.