STATEMENT BY MR. MASON SMITH, COUNSELOR/DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

INTERGOVERNMENTAL NEGOTIATIONS; COMPOSITION OF A REFORMED UNSC

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 12 JUNE, 2009

Thank you Mr. Chairman,

Allow me to echo the sentiments of previous speakers in thanking you for your efforts in facilitating this second exchange of the second round off intergovernmental negotiations o n the reform on the Security Council.

Thank you also for your letter of 8 June 2009.

My delegation aligns itself with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Nauru on behalf f of the Pacific Small Island Developing States. In doing so, let me briefly highlight the following points regarding Fiji’s position on the interrelated issues of the categories of membership, regional representation and the question of the size of an enlarged Council.

We have maintained and will continue to maintain a principled yet practical approach to the reform process. We fully respect the views and proposals previously espoused by members and in the same spirit seek to have our own views enunciated in this august assembly.

Mr. Chairman,

On the issue of categories of membership.

Fiji supports the aspirations by members, for the expansion of the Council, in both permanent and non‐‐permanent categories. We acknowledge that questions remain as to the results of the reform process in the early sixties where members agreed to increase only the non permanent category of the Council; consequently we are of the view that perhaps it is now prudent to consider expansion in both categories. My delegation also acknowledges that the increase in membership of the United Nat ions from all regions of the world, since its creation in 1945, necessitates the expansion of the council in both permanent and non‐permanent categories.The creation of new categories of membership in a reformed Council, such as ““extended seats” is not supported as my delegation is of the view that this will further erode the very efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy we are seeking in a reformed Council.Furthermore, the concept of an intermediary approach, that has also been proposed by certain members; unfortunately cannot be supported, as we do not have sufficient information regarding this proposal at this stage of negotiations.

Mr. Chairman,

On the issue of regional representation.  

Fiji is of the view that the non‐representation of regions such as Africa and GRULAC and the under‐representation of regions such as Asia in the permanent category of the Council can perhaps be addressed through the notion of equitable geographical distribution in the election of individual member states from the regions concerned as permanent members in the Security Council. Whilst members may be proposed by regions and elected by the General assembly, they will, ultimately have a global responsibility to the general membership of the United Nations. A more equitable geographical distribution of seats can only enhance the very efficiency, effectiveness and legitimacy we are seeking of the reformed Council.

On the size of the Council.  

Fiji is of the view that small states can and have always supported the maintenance of international peace and security and other purposes of this organization. Therefore the desire of small states to serve on the Council stems from our past contributions and the belief that political will; and indeed the knowledge and ideas on how best to maintain international peace and security, are not the domain of a few but that we can all contribute effectively towards this noble goal.  All small states need, is a more balanced opportunity to serve in the Council. Fiji therefore supports the notion of adding six new permanent seats and at least five additional non permanent seats in a reformed Council in order to ensure that the interest and concerns of small states are catered for in a reformed council.  To conclude Mr. Chairman, we urge you, to issue an outcome document, at the conclusion of this round of the intergovernmental negotiations, which contains the views and proposals that have garnered the widest support from members so that we can then focus on specific proposals in the next round of negotiations and thereby achieve decisive progress that you yourself have called for, before the end of the sixty‐third session of the General Assembly.  

I thank you.