NAM puts forward proposals to help reform UN Security Council

TEHRAN,Nov.28(MNA) – In a statement read out at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday, Iran and other members of the Non-Aligned Movement put forward a number of suggestions to help reform the mechanism of the UN Security Council. The statement was read out by the Iranian ambassador to the UN, Mohammad Khazaee, on behalf of the NAM member states before the United Nations Security Council during an open debate under the agenda item “Working methods of the Security Council.” Iran assumed the rotating presidency of NAM for a three-year term on August 30. Following are excerpts of the text of Khazaee’s speech: Some positive steps have taken by the Security Council... The movement notes the increase in the number of public meetings, and expects that the quantitative increase of those meetings shall be associated with a qualitative improvement through the provision of real opportunities and more meaningful exchanges of view to take into account the contributions of non-council members, particularly those whose interests are or maybe directly affected by possible decisions of the council. Furthermore, the concerned non-council member should be given the opportunity to express its views and position on such briefings. The general observations and positions formulated by numerous non-members of the Security Council during its debates or open debates should be properly taken into account in any possible outcome of those debates and should also be reflected in the council’s annual report. NAM appreciates convening more frequent Arria Formula meetings as a practical way to ensure more interaction with non-council members and regional and sub-regional organizations. It also appreciates holding of informal wrap-up sessions at the end of each presidency to evaluate what has been achieved. The Non-Aligned Movement welcomes the continued briefings and consultations of the council with the troop-contributing countries (TCCs) as part of the effort to plan and execute peacekeeping operations more effectively and with clearer mandates. The Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations should involve TCCs more frequently and intensively in its deliberations through sustained, regular, and timely interaction. To increase the transparency of its work and make a balanced approach in interaction with non-members, and improve efficiency of its working methods, the council should seriously address the said shortcomings and take into consideration the relevant provisions of the Charter as well as the resolutions which clarify its relationship with the General Assembly, and other organs of the United Nations. The movement believes that more steps are needed, along with the necessary political will of member states, particularly the permanent members of the council, to improve the working methods of the council through both the General Assembly and the Security Council. Transparency, accountability, and consistency are key elements that the Security Council should observe in all its activities, approaches and procedures. Every effort should be made to render the council more democratic, representative, and accountable. In this way the Security Council can deal more efficiently and effectively with its mounting workload and with the multiplicity and complexity of the issues on its agenda in maintaining international peace and security. Non-Aligned Movement stands ready to contribute to the achievement of these goals.