Colombia expects to be elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council for the period 2001-2002 during the 55th Session of the General Assembly. This candidature was endorsed by the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC) on May 22, 2000. We hope to obtain unanimous support from all members States of the United Nations during the up-coming election.
What does this opportunity represent for Colombia? As a non-permanent member of the Security Council, Colombia will have a unique opportunity to reaffirm a central characteristic of its foreign policy: a strong commitment to, and unconditional support of multilateralism. This has been the underlying principle of previous participation in the Security Council, and we will return to this UN organ to contribute to the standing and strengthening of multilateralism.
What principles will guide Colombia's participation in the Security Council? As stated by Colombia's President, Andrés Pastrana, during the fifty-fourth Session of the General Assembly, "Colombia is not a military or economic power. Nonetheless, it is respected by the community of nations for its decisive and unconditional support to the standards and principles of the international law." We believe that the implementation of these norms and principles contributes to the strengthening of the United Nations and, in particular, to the efficiency and legitimacy of the Security Council.
How has Colombia contributed to the United Nations? Given the possibilities of its own level of development, Colombia has been consistently and actively engaged in those funds and programs devoted to issues of great importance to us such as development, the promotion and respect for human rights, and the environment. In addition,
(i) Since the UN's foundation in 1945, Colombia has participated in a number of its organs, and has insisted on the need to promote greater coordination and cooperation between them.
(ii) Colombia's past participation in the Security Council has been creative and coherent with the demands derived from the maintenance of international peace and security.
(iii) Historically, Colombia has been a participant in many UN peacekeeping operations, and has always made timely contributions to its budget.
What specific qualifications does Colombia have to participate in the Security Council? Colombia has distinctive characteristics that will facilitate constructive contributions to the work of the Security Council.
(i) As an active member of other multilateral organizations, Colombia has the possibility to exchange points of view and to maintain permanent contacts with other States. This will enhance its own positions in the Security Council, as well as their coherence with the collective interest of all member States.
(ii) As the former President of the Non Aligned Movement (1995-1998) and of the Group of the 77 (1993), Colombia has the ability to understand the particular sensitivities with regard to many conflicts that are discussed at the Security Council, and to make independent and constructive contributions during the consideration.
