China calls for stronger coordination between peacekeeping

China calls for stronger coordination between peacekeeping, peacemaking, peacebuilding

In order to address new challenges, coordination between UN peacekeeping operation, peacemaking and peacebuilding efforts needs to be strengthened, Wang Min, deputy permanent representative of the Chinese Mission to the United Nations said here on Wednesday.

Wang made the remarks when he addressed a UN Security Council's open meeting on UN peacekeeping operations.

He pointed out that as important as peacekeeping operations is, it is not panacea. The key to building lasting peace lies in promoting political dialogue and reconciliation process. Furthermore, concerned parties should pay more attention to and tackle the root causes of conflicts, particularly the problem of economic and social development.

Wang also noted that while implementing mandate of protecting civilians, UN peacekeeping operations should strictly abide by Security Council resolutions, stick to principle of neutrality so as to avoid becoming a party of conflict.

China supports the UN's efforts to improve speed and efficiency of peacekeeping operation deployment, make it more targeted and flexible, and to enhance the partnership with host countries and regional organizations, he said.

Border crossing in northern Kosovo set on fire

Border crossing in northern Kosovo set on fire

A group of Kosovo Serbs attacked on Wednesday evening a border crossing with Serbia in northern Kosovo, demolishing properties of Kosovo Police and Customs and setting it on fire.

Unconfirmed reports say fire shots were heard in the scene, perhaps near the KFOR (NATO-led mission) site.

KFOR Commander Erhard Buhler in the afternoon called on Serbs to remain calm after unidentified persons shot at two KFOR helicopters on route in the northern Kosovo.

The attack follows two days of a tense situation since Monday evening when Kosovo leader Hashim Thaci dispatched special police to take control of the two disputed border crossings.

Special units of Kosovo police left two border points on Wednesday morning, but local Serbs, which oppose Pristina authorities, rejects the decision that Kosovo border and custom police officers remain in the border crossing point.

Kosovo Serb leaders have declared a state of emergency in the locality and have called all citizens to be aware of any developments that might occur in the hours to come.

KFOR Commander has ordered reserve units to be ready for intervention if the situation worsens. Roads to the disputed crossings remained barricaded by local Serbs.

Sao Paulo announces return of Denilson

Sao Paulo announces return of Denilson

Caption Arsenal's Denilson (L) challenges Ipsich Town's Colin Healy during their English League Cup semi-final first leg soccer match at Portman Road in Ipswich, southern England, January 12, 2011.(Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)

The Sao Paulo soccer team proudly presented Denilson on Tuesday.

Denilson, who left Sao Paulo in 2005 at the age of 18 to play for England's Arsenal, claimed that he was unsatisfied at Arsenal and with head coach Arsene Wenger.

After negotiating with the club's management, Sao Paulo sent a representative to China in order to guarantee the player's release. Arsenal was having a tour of Malaysia and China.

Denilson claims that he is in the best shape of his life and at the peak of his professional career. Due to his pre-season training with Arsenal, the midfielder says that he is ready to play in Sao Paulo's up-coming match against Atletico-GO in the Morumbi stadium on July 23.

Denilson has aspirations of playing for Brazil in the 2014 World Cup on Brazilian soil. He declared that his hard work and dedication will lead to his convocation and return to the national team.

Also on Tuesday, Adilson Batista commanded his first team practice as Sao Paulo's new head coach.