DPR 75/97 Wednesday, 14 May, 1997
BOOK TO HELP IMPROVE PEACE OPERATIONS
A Canberra-based Australian Army lawyer with an international reputation in the field of peacekeeping has authored a book to help governments, military forces and aid organisations involved in overseas peace operations.
The book, written by Major Michael Kelly and titled 'Peace Operations: Tackling the Military, Legal and Policy Challenges', focuses on the dilemmas faced by peace operations in collapsed states.
It will be launched by the Chief of Army, General John Sanderson, and a Deputy Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Kim Jones, at the Australian Defence Force Peacekeeping Centre, RAAF Base Williamtown, at 4.45pm tomorrow, (Thursday, 15 May).
The book also looks at the problems of establishing and maintaining safe havens where the issue of re-establishing and maintaining order is a crucial one. Relationships with non-government organisations such as aid organisations and the civilian population are covered in depth.
The book draws on Major Kelly's experience as part of the 1993 Australian Army contingent in Somalia (for which he was awarded the Order of Australia) and in Bosnia on secondment last year with the International Committee of the Red Cross. Major Kelly also performed research in the Middle East in 1982-83 and in 1994.
He has done extensive fact-finding work in Israel, Canada and the United States, and has been asked to speak at conferences and seminars conducted by the United Nations, Japan and the United States.
'Peace Operations: Tackling the Military, Legal and Policy Challenges' is designed to guide military personnel responsible for planning and conducting peace operations. It will also help policy makers, political advisers, aid groups, law and history students.
Published by the Australian Government Printing Service, the book will be available to the public, with monies going back to the Commonwealth as copyright owner.
Further information
Major Michael Kelly Tel 06 2669728 (W) 06 247 2381 (H)