Global Policy Forum

German Press Release on Security Council Reform (February 1, 1996)

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February 1, 1996

 

 

 

 


Security Council:
UN Member States on the way to seize historic opportunity for reform

With its first meeting in 1996, the Working Group on the Reform of the Security Council moves into an important new phase. In the words of the chairmen of the Group: "Member States must be prepared to move on to a process of actual negotiations".

The progress achieved so far is considerable. The Member States can build on a vast agreement on Cluster II items (transparency and working methods). There is consensus on an enlargement of the Council and on the principles governing reform (efficiency, effectiveness, more equitable representation). A vast majority of Member States favours an enlargement of the Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories. Considerable agreement exists also on its future size (between 20 and 26 seats).

Germany believes that at this moment, there is a historic opportunity for reform. During the debates in 1995 and in their statements on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the UN, Member States have called almost unanimously for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including the Security Council. States from all regions and regional groups have spoken in support of a permanent seat for Germany on the Council. The President of the Assembly has proposed a "global package for the reform by the end of the 50th session".

Substantive progress in the Working Group can be achieved by the end of June 1996. This would give governments time to consider the results during Summer.

Germany has a vision of a new, modern, transparent and effective Security Council. The reform will lead to a better and more equitable representation of all regions, especially of small and developing countries. The Council's work will become more trans parent, democratic and effective, inter alia by giving more and permanent responsibility to those non-nuclear states that - like Germany and Japan - have proven their willingness and capacity to contribute on a global scale to the maintenance of peace and security. The new Council will reflect the changes in international relations that have occurred since 1945. It will be capable of responding to the challenges of the future. It will benefit the United Nations and all Member States.

 

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