Saudi Arabia`s statement at session of UN General Assembly delivered 10 New York

In view of the importance of international cooperation in the energy
sector, the Kingdom has diligently sought to build bridges of
dialogue between producers and consumers by hosting the secretariat
of the International Energy Forum in Riyadh. At the Jeddah Conference
of Petroleum Producing and Consuming Countries, held under his
patronage, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques launched his
initiative known as "Energy for the Poor" for the purpose of helping
the developing countries to meet the costs of obtaining energy. In
this context, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced its allocation of
US$ 500 million to be made available, in the form of soft loans from
the Saudi Fund for Development, for the funding of energy projects in
developing countries.

Mr. President,

The far-reaching international changes and the magnitude of the
challenges currently facing the international community necessitate a
review not only of the working methods of the United Nations but also
of the structure and functions of its existing organs, as well as
enhancement of its ability to prevent and resolve conflicts and
maintain international peace and security. The Kingdom supports the
call for reforms to secure broader membership of the Security Council
in such a way as to improve geographical representation and promote
transparency in its work in a manner consistent with the need to
maintain due credibility, avoid double standards and ensure respect
for, and compliance with, the principles of international legitimacy
and international law.

The important reforms in this field should include restriction of the
use of the right of veto by requiring the Permanent Members to
undertake not to avail themselves of this right in order to veto
measures designed to ensure the implementation of resolutions
previously adopted by the Security Council. There is also a need to
achieve an optimal balance between the General Assembly and the
Security Council, strengthen the role of the Economic and Social
Council, and ensure closer coordination among United Nations funds,
programmes and activities.

We reaffirm our commitment to the United Nations and the multilateral
international order, since our international community direly needs
to take a unified and mutually supportive stand in order to devise
equitable solutions to worsening global problems through diligent
respect for the values, traditions and principles enshrined in the
conscience of mankind which are conducive to the promotion of
constructive cooperation and the achievement of security, peace and
prosperity for all nations.

--SPA