Annex XXVIII
Previously issued as A/AC.247/1998/CRP.14.
Conference room paper submitted by the Bureau of the Open-ended Working Group: previous discussions on the issue of the majority required for taking decisions on Security Council reform, dated 27 May 1998
1. Final decision on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council
The final decision on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council involving amendments to the Charter shall be taken in accordance with Article 108 of the Charter.
2. General agreement
(a) When this matter was discussed in the past, reference was made to the enabling resolution 48/26 of 3 December 1993 and its last preambular paragraph, which reads: "Mindful of the importance of reaching general agreement";
(b) Assumptions had been made that any decision on the issues covered by the mandate of the Open-ended Working Group should enjoy as broad support as possible by the United Nations membership;
(c) Proposals on specific numerical majorities had been advanced by some delegations.
3. Adoption of any eventual resolution prior to the approval of a final package
Proposals have been made on the adoption of any resolution prior to the approval of a final package:
(a) Any resolution with Charter amendment implications must be adopted by a two-thirds majority of the United Nations membership, as described in Article 108 of the Charter;
(b) It is necessary to comply faithfully with the provisions of Article 108 of the Charter with respect to any resolution with Charter amendment implications;
(c) Decisions on important questions of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Council shall be made by a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting.