77 UNGA: Statement by Deputy First minister od Foreign Affairs, Gerardo Peñalver Portal on Item 125: Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Other Matters Related to the Security Council. New York, 17 November 2022.
Mr. President,
First of all, we would like to congratulate the Permanent Representatives of Slovakia and Kuwait on their designation as co-facilitators of the intergovernmental negotiations of the current session, to whom we convey our support to continue exchanging on the necessary reform of the Security Council.
Our delegation wishes to reiterate the importance of addressing Security Council reform in a comprehensive manner, discussing in detail the five key issues of this process, as stipulated in General Assembly decision 62/557, in order to reach the broadest possible consensus.
The wide-ranging discussions held in the framework of IGN in previous sessions have reaffirmed the shared interest of the membership in achieving a better Security Council for all. We believe that in order to move forward in the framework of the forthcoming intergovernmental negotiations, we must continue to join efforts on the basis of what has been achieved to date.
Our delegation reiterates that a more efficient, democratic, transparent and representative Security Council should include transparent informal negotiations, the adoption of its rules of procedure, which to date remain provisional, the issuance of minutes of the Council's informal consultations, which should be the exception rather than the practice, and a comprehensive and analytical annual report on its work, among other aspects.
We continue to advocate an expansion of the Security Council, both in the category of permanent and non-permanent members, in order to redress the under-representation of developing countries, which make up a significant portion of the membership of this Organization.
We reiterate that the expansion of this body should include an increase in new permanent members. Entire regions such as Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean are not represented in this category. At least two countries from Africa, two from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as two developing countries from Asia should be included.
The category of non-permanent members should be expanded to at least 15 members.
Cuba has always opposed the existence of the veto. However, as long as the veto is not eliminated, the new seats created in the category of permanent members should have exactly the same prerogatives and rights as the current ones, including the power of veto.
We do not favor the creation of new categories or subcategories of membership, because it would deepen existing differences and foster division within the Council.
We reiterate that the Council's interference in matters outside its competence must cease, particularly in those matters that fall within the mandate of this General Assembly.
Mr. President,
We hope to continue debating this relevant issue within the framework of intergovernmental negotiations, in order to make progress in reducing the existing gaps between the positions of all Member States, in an inclusive and participatory manner, with a view to reaching the broadest possible consensus.
Thank you.