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United Nations Reform.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 April 2005

Thursday, 28 April 2005

Ceisteanna (92)

Joan Burton

Ceist:

82 Ms Burton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Chinese objection to Japanese inclusion on the UN Security Council; the way in which this impasse might be progressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13543/05]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is not the Government's practice to comment publicly on the views of individual members of the United Nations on the aspirations of other members to permanent membership of the Security Council. There is general agreement among the members of the United Nations that the present structure of the Security Council does not accord with the realities of today. Ireland has long held the view that a reform of the council is required that would enhance its credibility and increase its legitimacy.

The high level panel appointed to consider measures to enhance the collective security system based on the United Nations reported in December 2004. Although it made a wide ranging series of important and valuable recommendations, it failed to agree on a single recommendation for reform of the Security Council. It put forward two models for reform, which are currently under discussion: model A, under which the membership of the Security Council would be expanded in both categories, permanent and non-permanent, and model B, under which no new permanent members would be created, but which provides for additional four year non-permanent seats. The UN Secretary General has not recommended either of these two models to the members for adoption. He has, nonetheless, made clear his view that, for the sake of the credibility and legitimacy of the Security Council and in the interests of the public and political credibility of the overall reform process, a solution should be found this year on the basis of one or other of the models, a variation thereof or on some other model entirely.

The Government shares this view and would support an arrangement capable of securing the necessary support among the wider UN membership, as long as it preserved the possibility for smaller countries like Ireland, which make substantial contributions to the work of the United Nations, to serve on the Security Council at reasonable intervals.

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