Last summer, Iceland organized an international conference on resolution 1325 (2000), entitled “Women Negotiating Peace”, which highlighted how best to ensure that women are included in formal and informal peace processes. Allow me to contribute to this discussion by recapitulating some of the main issues addressed at the Reykjavik conference. Four themes were predominant.

In particular, Iceland has supported the extraordinary work of the International Women's Commission for a Just and Sustainable Palestinian- Israeli Peace. This is an organization where women from opposite sides of the conflict, together with a group of women from the international community, have managed to find viable ways to promote peace and peaceful alternatives to conflict

Iceland maintains a strong commitment to resolution 1325 (2000), being one of the few countries that have adopted a national action plan pursuant to the resolution. The Icelandic Government has decided to focus its work related to resolution 1325 (2000) on post-conflict reconstruction and women's access to peace negotiations, being convinced that the inclusion of women in peace processes is a security issue essential to sustainable peace.

First, the conference emphasized the importance of raising awareness of resolution 1325 (2000) and recognized the importance of using the forthcoming tenth anniversary of the adoption of the resolution for that purpose. Awareness should be promoted in the international community, within the United Nations system, as well as within Member States and societies in or emerging from conflicts.

Women are not only victims of conflicts but powerful agents for peace and security. Therefore, the empowerment of women to fulfil this potential is of the utmost importance. The system of granting microcredits to women has proved successful within the context of development cooperation. Empowering women would also help in security sector reform as well as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes.

What can the United Nations do? Security Council resolution 1888 (2009) and resolution 1889 (2009), adopted today, are yet another milestone in the fight against sexual violence and for the empowerment of women for the maintenance of peace and security. We now have a whole range of tools available to prevent sexual violence and to respond rapidly to situations in which violence occurs.

What can Member States do? I will give the Council just a few examples. Germany has advocated the inclusion of gender advisers in all European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) missions. The mission of the European Union-led peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had, for the first time, such an adviser among its personnel. During Germany's presidency, gender advisers were part of all ESDP missions.

Next year is the tenth anniversary of resolution 1325 (2000). Let us try to reach these targets by that date so we will be able to proclaim some progress that will benefit and guide all people in the world that need our help and look to us for support.

Mr. Matussek (Germany): Germany aligns herself with the statement made by Sweden on behalf of the European Union. As a member of the Group of Friends of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), we attach great importance to the issue of women and peace and security. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for holding this open debate. Women and children need to be protected from violence.

Let me suggest and reiterate three more targets. The United Nations needs to continue working together with women's non-governmental organizations on the ground in post-conflict areas. It has to strive to include more women in peacekeeping missions at all levels and to improve its own performance, but also to set an example for the countries concerned.