Global Policy Forum

Cuba opposed any attempt to grant greater powers to the UN Security Council, stating that any reform of that UN body should be aimed at making it more democratic, representative, responsible and effective. "We need to assure that the Council agenda reflects the needs and interests of both developed and underdeveloped countries in an objective, rational, non-selective and non-arbitrary way," said Cuban Ambassador to the UN Rodrigo Malmierca on Monday.

Malmierca put forth Cuba's stance on the first day of UN General Assembly debates on issues relating to the UN Security Council including a proposed increase of the current number of members and the question of balanced representation. The Cuban diplomat insisted on the need for UN member states "to block any attempt to transfer issues pertaining to the General Assembly to the Security Council."

"Cuba continues to be particularly concerned over the establishing of norms and definitions by the Security Council that go beyond its jurisdiction," said Malmierca. As an example, he spoke about the decision by the Council to begin official or unofficial debates about the situation of any member state or any other matter.

The question of Security Council reforms has remained stagnant for years due to bitter controversies over proposals to increase membership. Malmierca said that besides the issue of increasing membership, the Security Council should discuss the lack of representation from developing countries and also important matters related to its agenda, work methods and decision making process. Cuba proposes increasing the number of public sessions of the Security Council and providing real opportunities for the opinion of a non-member country to be considered when issues involving them are dealt with by this UN body.