UN SECURITY COUNCIL: Update on reform

[NEW YORK, 28 May 2010] – The text for the fifth round of inter-governmental negotiations on reforming the UN Security Council has been revised.

It was issued yesterday, 27 May, in preparation for the 2 June resumption of negotiations.

The Chair of negotiations, Ambassador Zahir Tanin of Afghanistan, originally released the first-ever negotiation text on 10 May. He had asked Member States to send their feedback on the draft by 20 May.

The text sets out the positions and proposals of Member States on five key issues of negotiations on Council reform.

Additions to the draft negotiation text include the following.

Categories of membership

• Emphasis on “the preservation of the democratic principle” and the importance of the “discipline of regular elections” for a Council in which membership is “earned as a privileged responsibility, not granted as a permanent right.” 

   

• Specific rotation for regular non-permanent seats (including small states, medium-sized states, Africa, Asia, GRULAC, Eastern European Group)

Question of the veto

• Call for the eventual elimination of the veto

Regional representation

• On long-term seats for regional groups, States must take “a break equivalent to the consecutive period served on the Council” before being eligible for membership again.

Size of an enlarged Security Council and Working Methods

• Call for “consultation, cooperation and adequate exchange of information with the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council.”

Relationship between the Council and the General Assembly

• In annual reports from the Council to the GA, the format must “provide faithful substantive information on or arising from the proceedings or action taken by the Council on its agenda items.”

The revised text will form the basis for negotiations beginning Tuesday, 2 June.