The World's Policeman?
The Falklands crisis has again raised the issue of the role of the United Nations in settling serious international disputes. One critic has dubbed the UN 'the theatre of the absurd but many argue that it remains the best means of defusing conflict in the worlds trouble spots.
Can the UN exercise a positive global influence to prevent war and maintain peace? Or are its activities too limited by its complicated internal politics?
Vincent Hanna visits UN troops patrolling the peace in Cyprus and reports on the politics at work at its New York headquarters.
Producer COLIN MARTIN Editor PETER IBBOTSON