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In relation to the principle of peaceful settlement of international disputes UN Charter (Art. 2 pt. 3) states that "All members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means so that international peace and security, and justice, are not endangered". The Charter also indicates, in art. 33 pt. 1, the regulatory means: negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, regional agencies or arrangements, other peaceful means as chosen by parties [1]. The content of the principle expresses so, on the one hand, the general obligation of peaceful settlement, on the other hand, the right of free choice of means of settlement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines Harold Wilson's attempts to promote a peaceful solution to the Vietnam war during his first term in office as Britain's Prime Minister, with particular reference to his discussions with the Soviet Premier, Alexei Kosygin, in London in February 1967. Wilson's diplomatic efforts were influenced by his intention to improve Anglo-Soviet relations, and by his belief that the United Kingdom could help develop East-West contacts and facilitate the process of détente. In conclusion, this article argues that the failure of the Sunflower initiative in February 1967 was due not to the intervention of American 'hawks', as Wilson supposed, but to the convoluted clash of interests of the powers involved either directly or indirectly in the Vietnam war -- the USA, USSR, China, and North Vietnam -- which handicapped third-party peace initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term conflict prevention strategies are reviewed as approaches that seek to address the root causes of conflict. Between 1999 and 2001 particular organizational tracks sought to advance the topic in the UN. For example, in response to 'internal' conflicts during the 1990s, development programmes have been advised to include 'conflict prevention lenses'. However, the UN's approach has emphasized theoretical comprehensiveness without corresponding effective practical outcomes. Moreover, in the aftermath of the attacks in New York and Washington DC on 11 September 2001, the engagement in counterterrorism might encroach unduly on conflict prevention strategies. Still, long-term conflict prevention strategies and counter-terrorism could be linked in addressing common root causes of armed conflicts and terrorist activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]