Statement by

H.E. Ambassador Adiyatwidi Adiwoso Asmady
Charge d’ Affaires a.i

at the Informal 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. July 19, 2007

Madam President,

Let me first thank you for convening this Meeting, and for all your efforts to build greater understanding among the Member States on the difficult questions of Security Council’s Reform. My delegation supports the critical role played by you in furthering consultations on this issue.

We are also grateful to the distinguished facilitators from Chile and Liechtenstein for their earnest efforts in this regard and their Report. My delegation expresses its gratitude to the previous five facilitators as well for their valuable work and the Report. The five facilitators’ Report should not be overlooked since it is intertwined, and reinforces the two facilitators’ Report. We believe that both Reports are a good basis for further discussion.
The latest Report by the two facilitators moves forward the previous work, and lays down options as something more concrete to be discussed by the Member States. It rightly points to the issues that should be left for review, and indicates the elements, which are essential for a feasible transitional arrangement. The Report has implied clearly that we have to choose the best possible solution for the interim even though it may not be the ideal one. Indeed it would be too demanding of the facilitators if we expected that their Report should provide answers to all our questions.

Madam President,

We agree with yours and the facilitators’ assessment that there is considerable interest in the ‘intermediary approach’. This approach could be a workable proposition in the present circumstances. There are numerous interesting ideas on the Council’s expansion and the improvement in its working methods in the latest Report, which need to be explored with an open mind. Nonetheless, there should be widest possible agreement between the Member States on the form of the ‘transitional arrangement’ even with the provision of its mandatory review on a prior agreed date as specified in the Report.

‘Intergovernmental negotiation’ would be ultimately the next stage of our deliberations. Much of the substantive detail left by the Report should be discussed in that process. It should be ensured, however, that before reaching that stage there is adequate preparation, and the prevailing views of the Member States are appropriately reflected in any document that may be developed. The process should continue to be inclusive and transparent, with greater flexibility shown by all concerned. We should move forward with only those proposals that garner sufficiently wide agreement.

Indonesia’s view is that a comprehensive reform of the Security Council, including in the aspects of its expansion, veto and working methods, is a must. It is also crucial that the reform is carried out on the basis of wide ranging dialogue and understanding, with the General Assembly at the heart of the process.

We reiterate our delegation’s commitment and cooperation in continuing to engage constructively in the process to undertake a comprehensive Security Council reform.

Thank you.