Madam President,
First, we would like to congratulate the Permanent Representatives of Kuwait and the Netherlands on their appointment as Co-Chairs of the intergovernmental negotiations concerning equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters, during the eightieth session.
We wish them every success in carrying out their duties and offer them our full support in this important process.
On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, we appreciate the convening of this meeting to continue discussing an important issue on the Organization's agenda, namely the Security Council reform.
Madam President,
Our position on the Security Council reform is clear. We advocate for expanding both categories of membership—permanent and non-permanent—seeking a more balanced composition of the body that rectifies the geographical imbalance and insufficient representation of developing countries. After all, developing countries constitute a large part of the UN membership.
We reiterate that this expansion should not be partial or selective. Furthermore, it should not involve an increase in the number of Security Council members that would harm developing countries.
The Council should have at least 26 members. This expansion should include new permanent members: at least two from Africa, two from Asia, and two from Latin America and the Caribbean. This will allow these countries to participate in the Security Council's decision-making process.
It is time to correct the historical injustice of entire regions such as Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean not being represented in this category. Similarly, the category of nonpermanent members should expand to include at least 15 members.
We do not support the creation of new categories or subcategories of members because doing so would exacerbate existing differences and promote division within the Security Council.
Madam President,
We reiterate our support for the comprehensive reform of the Security Council and its working methods to ensure that it becomes a transparent, democratic, and representative body.
To this end, transparent informal negotiations must be conducted, and minutes of the Council's closed consultations must be issued. These consultations should be the exception rather than the rule. Additionally, the Council must adopt its rules of procedure, which remain provisional to date.
The annual report presented to the General Assembly should provide a comprehensive analysis of the Council's work to allow for an assessment of the causes and implications of its decisions.
Cuba opposes the existence of the veto power. However, until it is eliminated, any new permanent members must have the same rights and prerogatives as current members, including the power of veto. No selective or discriminatory criteria should be established in this regard.
Another fundamental issue is that the Security Council must stop interfering in matters beyond its jurisdiction, especially those within the General Assembly's mandate. The functions and mandates set out in the United Nations Charter must be respected.
Madam President,
The IGN provides a timely opportunity for Member States to engage in dialogue and continue discussing the reform of this body by addressing its five key issues in detail, as outlined in General Assembly decision 62/557. You can count on our commitment to finding a solution that enjoys the broadest possible political support among Member States.
Thank you