STATEMENT MADE AT PLENARY MEETING OF UNGA SESSION

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia /MONTSAME/ The Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations Headquarters in New York Mr O.Och made a statement at a plenary meeting of the 67th session of the UN General Assembly on November 15 in New York, USA. The plenary meeting has discussed the 2011-2012 action report of the UNGA and a matter on the UN Security Council's reform. By his statement, the Permanent Representative expressed Mongolia's position on the UN's reform. Mr Och thanked a Representative of India for presenting the report of the Security Council, contained in document A/67/2. "We also seize this opportunity to congratulate Ambassador Zahir Tanin, Permanent Representative of Afghanistan for his reappointment as Chair of the Intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Council," he said. Mongolia commends Ambassador Tanin's efforts to conduct a more in-depth discussion of the Member State's initiatives on the Security Council reform, he added. Eight rounds of intergovernmental negotiations have taken place in the informal plenary of the General Assembly since the adoption of the historic decision 62/557 in 2009. "We had the opportunity to discuss our principled positions, as well as some proposals, on the five key issues of comprehensive reform of the Security Council. I believe that continuation of our work on the issue is of great importance. "Mongolia would like to reiterate its principled position of advocating a just and equitable expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership, whereby due representation of both developing and developed countries, including small states is ensured. We have also attached paramount importance to the need to ensure equitable geographical distribution with an emphasis on the non-and-under-represented groups, particularly Africa, Asia and GRULAC," Mr Och said. He went on that the delegation believes that only expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the Security Council can ensure that the Council reflects contemporary world realities and secure greater and enhanced representation of developing countries. "This will serve to achieve the goal of a more accountable and representative and transparent Security Council." Mongolia continues to share the view of the majority of Member States that the veto right needs to be abolished eventually. In the meantime, its use should be restricted, in particular by stipulating that the veto should not be used under certain circumstances. "So as long as the veto right exists, it must be extended to new permanent members who must have the same responsibilities and privileges as the existing permanent members." "Finally, I would like to welcome your aspiration to assist and facilitate the member states in advancing the common agenda, including the ongoing Security Council reform process. Also, I wish to express my delegation's sincere hope that, with your strong leadership, the General Assembly will make meaningful progress at the current session towards a timely reform of the Security Council," he said. B.Khuder