Delivered by Deputy Permanent Representative Mr. Menelaos Menelaou
8 May 2014
Mr. Chairman,
Let me begin by commending your stewardship of our deliberations, expressing our support to your effort and wishing you success as the process is entering into a critical phase. Cyprus welcomes today’s sixth session of the 10th round of intergovernmental negotiations under agenda item 123 on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of, the Security Council and related matters.
Today’s theme on cross cutting issues offers an opportunity to reflect upon a question which is long overdue, namely the need for this effort to be brought to a successful conclusion. A continuous restatement of well-known positions runs the risk of becoming inconsequential at a time when we need to strengthen the efficiency and credibility of the United Nations.
Mr. Chairman,
2015 will mark the ten year anniversary of the 2005 World Summit, at which global leaders resolved, inter alia, on the need for an early reform of the Security Council.
Cyprus supports a comprehensive reform of the Security Council, based on the GA’s decision 62/557, which inter alia includes the improvement of the Council’s working methods in order to enhance the accountability, legitimacy and effectiveness of its decisions and actions, as well as to increase the transparency of its work. We also support the expansion, and the increase in the membership of the Security Council, in both categories, that is permanent and non-permanent members.
We believe that it would be ideal if all five key issues identified in the above decision, namely categories of membership, the question of the veto, regional representation, size of an enlarged Council, working methods, and the relationship between the Council and the General Assembly could be addressed and resolved in a package deal. In this respect we consider that a compromise solution would of course be ideal. However, agreeing on a package deal and reaching a compromise decision should not lead to inconclusiveness and the renewal of endless discussions.
The intergovernmental process must bring about a reform. A reform that is meaningful, representative, and democratic in its nature.
We believe that the time has come, to show the necessary political resolve, realism, and commitment, to move the process forward, and to agree on a reform model, that will address the relevant concerns and aspirations. We need to create a more representative Council, able to reflect the 21st century’s realities. To draw from its heritage so far as a guarantor of the need to maintain vital checks and balances particularly for the vulnerable. To respond to the composite challenges of the future.
For these to be achieved, we need to engage on serious and committed text based negotiations; we do not have the luxury to delay this process anymore.
In this regard we consider that the Chair should be tasked to present a summary report of the negotiations so far, that will be comprehensive, objective and representative of the positions of all concerned.