February 18, 2005
On 16 February, the group of like-minded countries, integrated by Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Kenya, Algeria, Italy, Spain, Pakistan and the Republic of Korea, adopted the document entitled "United for Consensus". This paper represents a common position in relation to the possibility of expansion of the Security Council in accordance with "Model B" as proposed by the Report of the Secretary General's High-Level Panel on Threats, Challenges and Change.
This morning, the abovementioned countries and Qatar, Turkey, Ghana, Morocco, San Marino, United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, and the representative of the Arab League, presented the document to the President of the General Assembly.
The like-minded group has the intention of distributing this document among all member States of the United Nations and to present it to the Secretary General, with the aim of collecting observations that could eventually lead to a consensus on the expansion of the Security Council.
1. The Like-Minded Countries recognise the historic opportunity that is afforded by the discussion on reform now in progress in the General Assembly. They hold the view that the prospect for reform seems within reach more than ever before and as Member States should seize the opportunity.
2. The Like-Minded Countries reaffirm that as Member States have the right to serve in all United Nations organs on the basis of the principle of sovereign equality through periodic elections which will ensure accountability to the general membership.
3. Like-Minded Countries believe that adequate time should be allowed to reach a negotiated outcome and the sense of ownership of al! Members in the reform process should be preserved.
4. The Like-Minded Countries reaffirm that the broadest possible consensus is needed to reform the collective security system, in particular the Security Council, by enhancing its credibility and legitimacy, to address new threats and challenges. They reiterate their commitment to reform the Security Council to make it more democratic, more effective, more equitably representative, more transparent and more accountable, in the benefit of developing and developed countries alike.
5. They recall that models A and B presented by the High Level Panel represent proposals, but not necessarily final solutions for the reform of the Security Council. The Like-Minded Countries agree that model B, with appropriate improvements, represents the best option for reaching the broadest possible consensus among Member States. Model B is democratic and more flexible, providing for fairer and equitable representation and accountability and preserving the institutional balance among the principal Organs.
6. Among the elements of model B to be further considered by Member States, particular attention should be given to:
A. Duration of long-term seats.
B. Number of possible consecutive re-elections.
C. Question of eligibility for the two-year seats of those elected for long-term seats.
D. Criteria for elections.
E. The role of regional groups in nominating candidates for election.
F. Rotation/elections for seats allocated to regions.
G. Composition of the regional groups.
