Statement by H.E. R.M. Marty M. Natalegawa at the Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on the 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 June 2008 Mr. President, Let me join others in thanking you for convening this meeting. We commend the good efforts by you and your four distinguished Vice Chairpersons, to steadfastly move forward the process of deliberations towards what we hope will be a comprehensive, equitable, and effective reform of the Security Council. We also thank the Vice Chairs for their report on the present status of the Council’s reform debate, and the suggestions contained therein on the possible ways to advance the process. The discussions among the member states have shown that there are strong views by many delegations on what the Vice Chairs have rightly stated as the five key issues namely, categories of membership, the question of regional representation, the size of Council, the question of veto, working methods and the relationship between the Council and the General Assembly. This diversity of perspectives is a reflection of the need to work more to identify “common negotiables” and an agreeable “procedural framework”, which can form the basis for eventually progressing to the stage of meaningful and fruitful “intergovernmental negotiations”. We have to be careful to avoid initiatives that may inadvertently lead to furthering the divisions, moving us farther from our collective goal of realizing an effective reform of the Council. We believe that the latest report by the Vice Chairpersons, coupled with the previous reports of the facilitators in the last session, are a good basis to continue to explore greater understanding between the delegations. Indonesia continues to study the merit of “intermediate approach” based on “agreed negotiables”, and with a mechanism for “review”. Considering the present realities, the debate on the “negotiables” for the Council’s enlargement, it may be pertinent to focus on the category of non-permanent membership, addressing the under representation of developing countries, especially from Asia and Africa. Along side, it is important that the future negotiations also cover the aspect of a more balanced representation, reflecting the rich civilisational diversity of our world. In this respect, we are pleased that the report of the Vice Chairs refers to the Final Communique of the 11th Session of the OIC Summit Conference, pertaining to the subject of Security Council reform, which Indonesia endorses. We need to have a balanced reflection of the world views at the Council to enhance the Council’s legitimacy and effectiveness. Mr. President, We would also like to emphasize that at the juncture when greater agreement on some of the crucial issues of Council’ reform is required, there is a need to exercise caution on moving the process for Council’s reform elsewhere. The Open-ended Working Group by virtue of its open participatory nature is the most appropriate forum. My delegation very much values the efforts by different groups and delegations for seeking to present practical ideas for the transitional arrangement. It is important that this effort is maintained to try to bring delegations to more common points on the Council reform debate. At the same time, it is also crucial to ensure that the process for the deliberations at the OEWG remains inclusive and transparent, which is a key factor in building further trust between the member states. That would engender their greater support to this vital process for undertaking a comprehensive and equitable reform of the Security Council. Thank you.
|
