Uruguay is fully convinced of the need for democratization of the Organization. This issue is linked to the need for strengthening of the General Assembly, a fully representative organ whose composition and functioning are unquestionably democratic.
The strengthening will be achieved through democratization of the system.
This goal has been expressed unanimously in numerous statements and declarations, both by Member States and by the most senior officials of the Organization, first and foremost among them the Secretary-General.
The right of veto is undoubtedly one of the features that must be changed if progress is to achieved in the democratization of the Organization and the strengthening of the General Assembly.
Most of the democratic constitutions of the States Members of the United Nations provide for the right of veto by the executive branch in order to establish a balance between the executive and legislative branches.
Accordingly, and in conformity with this practice, which is common to all democratic systems of government, Uruguay is of the view that it would be appropriate to apply it to the United Nations in respect of the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly.
Uruguay proposes, therefore, that the right of veto should be subject to suspension on specific occasions, as defined by a prescribed qualified majority of the General Assembly.
As is readily apparent, the scope of the exercise of this power by the General Assembly would be very broad, and should be subject to negotiation if this proposal is accepted.
