Mr. President,
We are grateful for the convening of this meeting within the framework of the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform (IGN), approaching their 10th anniversary this year.
In this context, we support the renewed and sustained efforts aimed at advancing the negotiations on Security Council reform, an issue that has been on the agenda of the General Assembly for more than 20 years.
We acknowledge the work and consultations carried out by the Permanent Representatives of Georgia and the United Arab Emirates in the framework of the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform. We reiterate that we will provide all possible collaboration to move forward in the negotiations.
Mr. President,
In Cuba's view, the rounds of discussions held to date and the compilations of positions produced clearly demonstrate that there is broad and solid support for a genuine and profound Security Council reform, with a view to turning it into an effective, transparent, representative and democratic body, which is firmly supported by Cuba.
The vast majority of Member States agree on the need to reform the Security Council, its membership, regional representation, agenda, working methods and decision-making process, including the question of the veto, and to adjust this body to the evolution of international relations and of the United Nations over the past seven decades.
The rounds of discussions and compilations of positions have also shown that the overwhelming majority of Member States support the enlargement of the Security Council in two categories, permanent and non-permanent members; the elimination of the right of veto; a thorough reform of the working methods, which would also include the final adoption of the Council's Rules of Procedure so that these cease to be provisional; and respect for the respective mandates of the General Assembly and the Security Council under the Charter of the United Nations.
Cuba believes that the negotiations required for this process should be undertaken without further delay and agrees with the majority that it should be conducted in a comprehensive manner and taking into account all the proposals made during the deliberations of the intergovernmental group.
This process should be inclusive, transparent and have the broadest possible acceptance by Member States.
Mr. President,
With regard to the substantive positions on this important issue, we wish to reiterate that Cuba is of the view that the current composition of the Security Council does not reflect geopolitical realities and therefore needs to be rebalanced, mainly seeking to overcome the unjustifiable absence of representation of developing countries in the Security Council.
The enlargement of the Council should be no less than 26 members in both categories, and the basic increase should go to developing countries.
The numerical expression of enlargement, following the criterion of categories, should represent an increase in the number of new permanent members from two African countries, two Asian developing countries and two Latin American and Caribbean countries.
We further consider that growth in terms of non-permanent membership should mean at least 15 members.
Cuba believes that the new permanent members should have exactly the same prerogatives and rights as the current ones. We call for the abolition of the obsolete and undemocratic right of veto. If not abolished immediately, the new permanent members must also have that prerogative.
Cuba does not favor the creation of new categories or subcategories of the membership, given that it would further deepen existing differences and encourage division within the organ.
Security Council reform will have to include the reform of its working methods as a priority.
There is a continuing tendency of the Council to essentially hold closed meetings and take decisions without addressing the concerns of non-permanent members. We call for a transparent, democratic and inclusive Security Council, in which closed-door consultations are the exception and in which all its members can be involved in the work, including the decision-making process. This also includes the formalization of its rules of procedure, which remain provisional.
We aspire to a Security Council agenda that better reflects the needs and interests of developing countries and ensures that the issues within its competence are addressed without encroaching or interfering with those of other main UN bodies.
The Security Council should align its functions with the mandate set out in the Charter and abide by all General Assembly resolutions.
Mr. President,
We hope that, within the framework of the 10th anniversary of the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform, we will be able to reach substantive agreements on this issue.
The United Nations require a deeply reformed Security Council to efficiently deal with current challenges and threats.
Thank you very much