By Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti
Mr. Chairman,
Thank you for convening this meeting to consider the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly.
We welcome your approach for the continuation of this fifth round of intergovernmental negotiations, which will be structured around concrete text-based negotiations on each of the five key-issues.
My delegation fully supports the view, shared by many, that we should avoid another tedious repetition of national positions. On the contrary, it is time to embark upon effective and result-oriented negotiations by merging language, reducing overlaps and streamlining the text we have on the table.
Mr. Chairman,
One can identify many commonalities in the section concerning the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly. In our view, they can be summarized in three points.
Firstly, a proper balance and stronger cooperation between the two organs, in conformity with their respective powers as defined in the UN Charter. Comments or proposals along these lines seek to address the need for increasing the role, authority and effectiveness of the General Assembly, with due regard to the functions and powers of the Security Council.
As we see it, adherence to the UN Charter is still the most appropriate way to ensure the adequate balance between the two organs. The functions and powers of both are clearly spelled out in the Charter. The Council must not claim or exercise competence not granted to it under the UN founding document. The Assembly, in turn, must not shy away from exercising its Charter-mandated authority when needed, including in matters related to international peace and security.
Secondly, regular consultations between the Security Council and the General Assembly bodies, in particular - but not only - between the two Presidents. This is a common feature in many proposals. The objective here is to strengthen the interrelationship between the two organs, including through regular and institutionalized consultations, timely flow and exchange of information.
Frequent meetings between the Presidents of the Security Council and the General Assembly may contribute to reviewing work plans and consulting on specific issues of mutual concern.
And thirdly, improved reporting by the Security Council. It was repeatedly noted in many contributions provided by Member States that, in accordance with Articles 15 and 24 of the Charter, the Security Council must submit annual and special subject-oriented reports to the General Assembly for its consideration.
These reports, which are expected to be as substantial and analytical as possible, certainly enhance the accountability, transparency and openness of the Security Council to the general UN membership.
Mr. Chairman,
These are the three points that, we believe, could be easily merged in order to simplify this section of the paper, while at the same time incorporating the core of the majority opinion of the Member States.
I hope we will be able to move forward in this direction. You can count on the support of my delegation to continue this exercise in the next meetings of the fifth round.
Thank you.
