|
63rd Session-Informal Plenary Meeting of the General Assembly-question of equitable representation and increase membership of the Security Council -Statement by H.E. Ambassador José Filipe Moraes Cabral-Permanent Rep. of Portugal-New York, 24 March 2009 |
 |
Mr. Chairman,
Let me begin by commending the way you have been leading our deliberations and by expressing the appreciation of my delegation for the effort, time and patience that you have been devoting to the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform.
I will be very brief, in conformity with the rules you proposed.
First of all, I believe it would be useful to clarify which issues we are trying to address, as already mentioned by our colleague from Jamaica. I can see three possibilities, at least. Are we dealing with the question of equitable geographical distribution? Are we referring to ways and means to ensure that regional views are represented at the SC table? Or are we tackling Chapter VIII matters and discussing cooperation and interaction between regional organizations and the SC? Concerning this last subject – which also merited a specific reference in the 2005 Outcome Document – I believe it may perhaps be more appropriately dealt with in the framework of our forthcoming discussions on the SC´s working methods.
So, let me outline now our position on the first two possibilities.
Regarding the first issue I mentioned, that is, the requirement for an equitable geographical distribution of seats in the SC, I only wish to reiterate what I already stated on February 19 and again on March 4 and that is that Portugal believes that any Security Council reform must redress the current underrepresentation of the developing world, namely Africa, Asia and Grulac. It is the only possibility to ensure that the Council’s membership fully reflects contemporary geopolitical realities.
Concerning a possible participation of regional organizations in the Council’s work, it is obvious that the objective of keeping the SC in tune with current realities requires that due regard be given to the fact that regional organizations play an ever increasing role in the international stage, including in matters of international peace and security – one that could not be foreseen when the UN Charter was adopted. This reality should also be reflected in the results of our work.
Notwithstanding, the way to achieve this remains, as we all know, a complex issue, raising a number of legal, political and institutional difficulties. I am afraid there are no ready recipes to overcome those hurdles.
So, it seems to me that from a methodological point of view the most appropriate way to move forward, in this context, would be first to hear and consider proposals or ideas that interested regional organizations or groups may have regarding their possible participation in the Council’s work. We have just heard some ideas in this respect presented by the Caribbean Community, by the Pacific Small Island Developing States as well as by the African group.
Before concluding and with your indulgence, Mr. Chairman, allow me to make a suggestion with respect to the forthcoming debates.
It seems to me that it would make more sense to address the working methods of the SC together with the issue of the Council’s relationship with the General Assembly (as was the case in 2007) rather than tackling it together with the question of size of an enlarged Security Council.
I wish to put this suggestion before you and the membership. Nevertheless, I fully trust in your guidance and whatever your decision may be you may rest assured of the continued support and engagement of the Portuguese delegation.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman
|
2009 