Jim Higgins
Question:100 Mr. Higgins (Mayo) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs Ireland's priorities if it gains a seat on the UN Security Council. [20961/99]
Written Answers. - UN Security Council.
Ireland is a candidate for non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for the two-year period commencing on 1 January 2001. The Deputy will be aware that the election will take place 12 months from now.
Under the Charter of the United Nations, the member states of the UN confer on the security council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Accordingly, the agenda of the security council consists of those issues of current concern to the international community and, at this juncture, it is not possible to predict precisely what issues will be before the security council in 2001-02.
However, certain principles will guide Ireland if elected to membership of the security council. Ireland will be fully committed to contributing in a constructive manner to the work of the council and in assisting it in fulfilment of its charter mandate. It is particularly important that, in the council, we should participate fully in formulating and overseeing implementation of Security Council policy decisions on the full range of international issues. We will be mindful of and responsive to the concerns of those member states which elected us. In this context, our participation in UN peacekeeping operations over almost 40 years will inform our approach as will our active contribution in other areas of UN activity.
As a member of the Security Council, Ireland would be well positioned to contribute more effectively to the promotion of reform of the council itself. In particular, Ireland is committed to seeking greater transparency in the conduct of the council's business.
We have always affirmed that small states as well as large states should have the opportunity to bring their perspectives to issues of international peace and security. We look forward to bringing to the council our track record of commitment to the work of the United Nations. Our objective is to make a full and positive contribution to the dynamic and effective role required of the organisation.