GENERAL ASSEMBLY WORKING GROUP DISCUSSES SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM OPTIONS

GENERAL ASSEMBLY WORKING GROUP DISCUSSES SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM OPTIONS New York, Jun 18 2008 10:01AM United Nations Member States have discussed possible options for reforming the size and membership of the Security Council during the third meeting of the General Assembly's open-ended working group on the issue.

Opening yesterday's gathering, held at UN Headquarters in New York, Assembly President Srgjan Kerim said there was a growing recognition that an intermediary approach – or a transitional phase of reform – "as the highest common denominator option at this stage of the Security Council reform process."

The working group is expected to present a report by the middle of next month that could include a draft decision to move the discussions to the next step of intergovernmental negotiations.

If that report is accepted, Mr. Kerim said, he believed that the necessary preconditions to begin the intergovernmental negotiations had been achieved. The report is being prepared by the Task Force, which is led by the Assembly President and the permanent representatives of Bangladesh, Chile, Djibouti and Portugal.

Mr. Kerim also warned that there was a risk of a "no reform" option, despite the stated willingness of national leaders in 2005 to pursue reform.

"Ultimately, we should not allow the process to plunge into apathy, frustration or impasse," Mr. Kerim said. "This is why I would like to reiterate the significance of the report of the Task Force as a general agreement which outlines the negotiables and options that Member States should consider, in order to commence intergovernmental negotiations."
2008-06-18 00:00:00.000

________________

For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news

To change your profile or unsubscribe go to:
http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/