INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATIONS ON THE QUESTION OF EQUITABLE REPRESENTATION ON AND INCREASE IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO THE COUNCIL
Statement by Minister Diego Limeres
Deputy Permanent Representative of Argentina to the United Nations
2nd March 2011
Mr. Chairman,
Argentina takes part in this new round of negotiations on the Security Council’s reform with mixed feelings. On one hand, with the interest stemming from the importance it attributes to the reform of the organ primarily responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security. On the other hand, concerned and yet a little frustrated by observing that, after several years of negotiations, we are no closer to reaching consensus than when negotiations started the current course in 2008.
Indeed, Mr. Chairman, it suffices with giving a quick look to the third version of the working document that you circulated last 23rd February, to observe that the positions of the different countries have hardly changed since the second revision of the text (which, in Argentina’s view, continues to validly represent all the positions). In some of the questions, such as the enlargement of the permanent category and the question of veto, no country or group of countries may reasonably claim to be even close to reach the two thirds majority of the members of the General Assembly; a majority which was determined by resolution 53/30 de 1998 in the framework of Chapter XVIII of the UN Charter, to adopt a resolution or decision on the matter.
In view of the negotiation’s deadlock, Mr. Chairman, Argentina cannot but reiterate the call of our Group “United for Consensus” for a compromise approach. Such an approach does not mean that countries must leave aside it own interests, but that the legitimate interests of the others countries must also be taken account of.
Mr. Chairman,
As it is well known, my country does not favor the increase of the number of permanent members in the Security Council. This position is not against anyone. In Argentina’s view, such an increase will not secure a larger participation of those who are not permanent members today. It will also not secure that the new permanent members will represent interests other than their own, since it seems difficult to imagine a true consultation process if they are not subject to elections.
Argentina deems necessary to reform the Security Council. But such reform must be directed to promote its efficiency and efficacy and to provide its decisions with political legitimacy, by improving transparency and strengthening its democratic representativeness.
Only the increase in the number of non permanent members, together with an improvement of its working methods, would reinforce the Council’s legitimacy, making it more democratic; it would contribute to make the Council more accountable to the Assembly responsible for electing its members; and, in the end, it would avoid the need for, every so often, engaging in new reform processes to take account of the transformations in the international system.
In the same line of ideas, Argentina favors transparency in work of the Council and, thus, that its meetings, even closed meetings, are adequately reported. In this respect, my country welcomes the initiative by its sister Republic of Brazil to hold a meeting to brief non-members of the Security Council on the occasion of the conclusion of the Brazilian Presidency of the Council. It also hopes that this practice is followed by other countries.
Mr. Chairman,
Insisting on certain positions will put an obstacle to a reform both necessary and with chances to be accepted by all United Nations’ members. No formula will succeed if the delegations are not ready to move from where they currently stand.
My country is confident, Mr. Chairman, that with your wise guidance, we shall be able to give the first steps towards a compromise.
Thank you very much.