Statements on Security Council Reform

This page contains formal statements made by world leaders, including Ambassadors to the UN, country leaders, UN officials, and regional organizations. Statements appear by country or group on this page. Statements are also viewable by year.

Country/Group

African States

Statement by African Group on Security Council Reform (March 4, 2009)

The African group says the current membership in the Security Council is unacceptable and calls for an enlargement in both permanent and non-permanent seats. It argues that Africa should have no less than two permanent seats with all the privileges of the current five permanent members. The group claims that better African representation in the Council will contribute to the maintenance of peace and security in the continent. (Mission of Sierra Leone to the UN)

African paper on SC reform (April 25, 1996)

Arab States

Paper by Arab States on Increase in Security Council Membership (July 9, 1997)

Australia

Amb. Penny Wensley of Australia on Security Council Reform (November 19, 1998)

Argentina

Argentina-New Zealand Proposal on SC Working Methods and Procedures (June 7, 1996)

Argentina Paper on the "Cascade Effect" of Permanent Membership (September 4, 1995)

Brazil

Statement by H.E. Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on Security Council Reform at the Seventh Round of Intergovernmental Negotiations (March 2, 2011)

This statement stresses that the negotiating text still needs to be condensed. Furthermore, it emphasizes that member states must take the initiative to keep the reform movement moving forward. (Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations)

Statement by H.E. Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on Security Council Reform (December 14, 2010)

This statement pushes for a one to two page version of the negotiating text that summarizes consensus points. Ambassador Viotti presents the Brazilian position on the agreement that the negotiations have yielded. (Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations)

Statement by H.E. Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on Security Council Reform (October 21, 2010)

This statement highlights the progress made during the 64^th General Assembly and urges the intergovernmental negotiations to streamline the text to get closer to finalizing UN reform. (Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations)

Statement by H.E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on Categories of Membership (July 12, 2010)

Statement by H.E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on the Question of the Veto (July 7, 2010)

Statement by H.E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on Regional Representation at the Fifth Round of Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council Reform (June 28, 2010)

Statement by H.E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on the Size of an Enlarged Council and Working Methods (June 16, 2010)

Statement by H.E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on the Relationship Between the General Assembly and the Security Council at the Fifth Round of Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council Reform (June 11, 2010)

Statement by H.E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti at the Fifth Round of Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council Reform (June 2, 2010)

Statement by H.E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti at the Fourth Round of Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council Reform (December 8, 2009)

Statement by Ambassador Regina Maria Cordeiro Dunlop of Brazil at the Joint Debate of the Report of the Security Council and Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council (November 12, 2009)

Remarks by H.E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on an Immediate Approach to Security Council Reform (September 3, 2009)

Brazil: Statement by Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on Security Council Reform (September 2, 2009)

As part of the G4 group, Brazil argues that a more diversified group of permanent members will lead to a more representative Security Council. Viotti explains that Brazil's interests and needs are similar to countries in the developing world, and a Brazilian permanent seat in the Council would therefore make it more representative. She suggests that the majority of member states in the UN should elect the permanent members. Viotti argues that the only solution to alter the balance of power in the Security Council is to expand the Council in both permanent and non-permanent categories.

(Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations)

Remarks by H.E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on the Third Round of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council Reform (September 1, 2009)

Remarks by H.E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on the Relationship Between the General Assembly and the Security Council, the Veto and Working Methods at the Intergovernmental Negotiations (June 22, 2009)

Remarks by H. E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on Security Council Reform Composition (June 11, 2009)

This statement presents the views of Brazil on the main issues of Security Council reform and critiques of some of the opposing positions. (Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations)

Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Piragibe Tarragô on the Relationship Between the General Assembly and the Security Council at the Intergovernmental Negotiations (April 20, 2009)

Deputy Permanent Representative Piragibe Tarragô of Brazil explains that the reform of the Security Council working methods in terms of its relationship with the General Asembly does not encompass the entire issue. Ambassador Tarragô says that this part of reform should focus on “specific practices of the Council in its dealing with non-members.” (Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations)

Brazil: Statement by Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti (April 7, 2009)

Remarks by H. E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on Regional Representation at the Intergovernmental Negotiations (March 24, 2009)

In this statement, Ambassador Viotti firmly stands against the idea of “regional representation” and attempts to reframe the debate in the context of “equitable geographical distribution.” (Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations)

Remarks by H. E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti on the Question of the Veto at the Intergovernmental Negotiations (March 16, 2009)

Brazil’s position on the veto is that all new permanent members should have the same “responsibilities and obligations as current permanent members,” which includes the veto. They also indicate that new permanent members should be balanced with responsibilities as is suggested in the G4 proposal. (Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations)

Statement by H.E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti at the Plenary Informal Meeting of the General Assembly on the Reform of the Security Council (March 4, 2009)

This statement by Ambassador Viotti focuses on the need for expansion of permanent and non-permanent members of the Council to make it more reflective of the modern world. The Brazillians reject the idea of “intermediate or interim reform” because the “term has become too equivocal and has lost its utility” since it is not linked to specifics proposals. (Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations)

Statement by H.E. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti at the Plenary Informal Meeting of the General Assembly on the Reform of the Security Council (February 19, 2009)

In this statement, Ambassador Viotti emphasizes that text based negotiations for Security Council reform are the next step and that there is enough momentum for real reform to take place. She also says that the focus should be on membership of the Council. (Permanent Mission of Brazil to the United Nations)

Ambassador Celso Amorim President of the Security Council in January 1999 on practical proposals to improve the work of the sanctions committees (Document S/1999/92)

Amb. Celso Amorim of Brazil on the report of the SC to the GA (November 26, 1996)

Amb. Celso Amorim of Brazil on Peacekeeping to the GA (November 19, 1996)

Ambassador Celso Amorim of Brazil on SC reform to the GA (October 29, 1996)

Canada

Statement by Canadian Ambassador on Security Council Reform (July 12, 2005)

Ambassador Allan Rock criticizes the Security Council for being "fixed" rather than "fluid," an "anomaly to be accommodated, not a model to be emulated." A member of the Uniting for Consensus group, Canada supports Council expansion but opposes the Group of Four framework resolution due to its undemocratic and inflexible nature; as Rock noted, "I know of no democracy in which a single election is sufficient to entitle the winner to remain in office in perpetuity."

Ambassador Fowler of Canada on where to give countries who contribute more funds more say and on restricting the veto (December 16, 1999)

Ambassador Duval of Canada on Proceeding with Reform (February 11, 1999)

Canadian Roundtable on Security Council Reform (September 1995)

Chile

Ambassador Juan Somavia of Chile: Elimination of the Veto (June 25, 1998)

Ambassador Juan Somavia of Chile on Humanitarian Responsibilities of the SC (June 26, 1996)

Ambassador Juan Somavia of Chile on the SC and Civil Society (April 29, 1996)

China

Statement by Ambassador Li Baodong at the Security Council Open Debate on Working Methods (April 22, 2010)

This statement by Chinese Ambassador Li Baodong focuses on reform of the working methods of the Security Council. It recommends further strengthening of “communication and interaction” with non-Council members. It also recommends assessing the current working method changes. Little attention is paid to the other main issues in Council reform, including membership changes. (Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations)

Statement by Ambassador Zhang Yesui, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, at Debate of the 64th Session of the General Assembly on the Work and Reform of the Security Council (November 13, 2009)

Ambassador Zhang Yesui of China explains in this statement that the Security Council needs to be reformed to make it more capable of handling threats to international peace and security. Reforming the Council’s working methods would allow it to “work more aggressively for peaceful settlements of disputes”. Ambassador Zhang also emphasizes that there must be a complete package for reform and that addressing the cluster issues individually will not lead to a comprehensive solution. (Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations)

Statement by H.E. Ambassador Wang Guangya at the 62nd Session of the General Assembly on Report of the Security Council and Security Council Reform (November 12, 2007)

In this statement, China recognizes that there has been a general consensus on the need for reform of working methods and an expansion of membership. There are no suggestions for a solution, but a recommendation to continue down the same path of consultations and examinations of all of the proposals. (Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations)

Statement by Ambassador Wang Guangya at the 61th session of the GA on the Security Council Report and Security Council Reform (December 11, 2006)

This statements from the Chinese emphasizes that the General Assembly’s Open Ended Working Group should continue to move forward on Security Council reform. The Chinese stress that they have supported “necessary and reasonable reforms” since the process began and will continue to do so as long as no groups attempt to expedite the reform process through politics. (Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations)

Statement by Ambassador Liu Zhenmin at the Meeting of the 60th UNGA on Security Council Reform (July 20, 2006)

The Chinese reiterated the same position that they had taken the previous year, focusing on reform by consensus and the need for small and medium sized developing countries to play an important role in making the Council more representative. Ambassador Liu also stressed that expansion of membership is less pressing than increasing “the authority and representation of the Council” without reducing its ability to function. (Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations)

Statement by Ambassador Wang Guangya on Security Council reform at the 59th Session of the General Assembly (July 11, 2005)

This statement to the General Assembly stresses the main points of the same year’s policy paper, but it also emphasizes that there must be a process to achieve consensus in order to reform the Council. China also gives explicit support for an African seat along with expansion to include more developing countries.(Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations)

Position Paper of the People's Republic of China on the United Nations Reforms (June 7, 2005)

This position paper by China on UN emphasizes membership and representation. However, the paper focuses more on the methods of determining reform, mainly through consultation within regional groups and then the UN member states as a whole, prior to bringing proposals to a vote. The policy allows the Chinese to appear in favor of reform while demonstrating that the process should move forward with any speed. (Mission of the People's Republic of China to the United Nations)

Colombia

Statement by Colombia and Italy on Security Council Reform (April 20, 2009)

To create a more efficient Security Council, Columbia and Italy propose either to eliminate the veto or to limit the extent of its power. In addition, the participation by non-permanent members ought to be enhanced. The two countries also criticize the current balance between the main bodies of the UN, arguing that the Security Council is not accountable to the General Assembly and increasingly undertakes tasks originally assigned to the larger body. (Permanent Mission of Colombia to the UN)

Egypt

Ambassador Nabil Elaraby of Egypt (NAM): Majority Required for Decisions on Security Council Reform (June 22, 1998)

Ambassador Nabil Elaraby of Egypt on SC & Nuclear Weapons (May 28, 1996)

Finland

Ms. Marjatta Rasi of Finland Presents the Nordic View on Security Council Enlargement (October 20, 1998)

France

General Assembly - Security Council Reform: Statement by Mr. Gérard Araud, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations (November 11, 2010)

In this statement, Ambassador Araud stresses the need to focus on creating a workable text from the text that Ambassador Tanin of Afghanistan compiled from the positions of the member states. (Permanent Mission of France to the UN)

General Assembly - Security Council Reform - Statement by Mr. Gérard Araud, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations (October 21, 2010)

This statement from the French Ambassador responds to Afghan Ambassador Tanin’s work to identify convergences in Security Council Reform positions. The speech continues to put forward the idea that there should be an intermediary solution that will bridge immediate and long-term reform. (Permanent Mission of France to the UN)

General Assembly - Security Council Reform - Statement by Mr. Gérard Araud, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations (June 2, 2010)

This statement addresses the text from the GA President as a basis for continuing negotiating Security Council Reform. (Permanent Mission of France to the UN)

UK/French Position on Reform of the United Nations Security Council (March 1, 2010)

This position paper was written in response to Ambassador Zahir Tanin’s request for member-states’ positions on the issue of Security Council Reform for the Open Ended Working Group. The position paper mainly discusses membership issues and the possibility of intermediate solutions for immediate reform to allow progress as negotiations for permanent reform continue. (Permanent Mission of France to the UN)

General Assembly: Security Council Reform – Statement by Mr. Gérard Araud, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations (December 8, 2009)

This general statement by the French Ambassador proposes compromise reforms that could be implemented more immediately while a new reform model is designed. (Permanent Mission of France to the UN)

General Assembly: Security Council Reform - Statement Made by Mr. Gérard Araud, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations (September 3, 2009)

This statement addresses the possibility for immediate reform. France proposes some immediate and more pragmatic reforms that it had been championing with the UK since 2008. The intermediary reforms could help the reform process continue and prevent the entire issue from being blocked. (Permanent Mission of France to the UN)

France: Statement by Mr. Gérard Araud (September 1, 2009)

Mr. Gerard Araud announces France's support of granting Germany, Japan, India and Brazil permanent seats in the Security Council, as well as adding an African permanent member. Araud stresses the necessity for a will of flexibility among member states when discussing a Security Council reform. In addition, he emphasizes that France has not used her veto power since 1989, thereby implying that France is not one of the permanent members misusing this power. (The UN Permanent Mission of France)

Security Council Reform: Relationship Between UNGA and the UNSC, the Right of Veto and Working Methods - Statement by Mr. Jean-Maurice Ripert, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations (June 22, 2009)

While the majority of this statement echoes the other 2009 statements by France, it includes more comment on the right of veto. The French Ambassador states that the issue of the veto “must not be allowed to block or serve as a pretext to block the necessary and urgent reform of the Security Council.” (Permanent Mission of France to the UN)

Intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform: Composition - Statement at the General Assembly by Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations (June 11, 2009)

This statement reiterates France’s position on composition of the Security Council and an increase in permanent and non-permanent membership. A new addition is that the Council must be kept to a “reasonable size”. (Permanent Mission of France to the UN)

Security Council Reform : Relationship Between the Security Council and the General Assembly - Statement at the General Assembly by Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations (April 20, 2009)

In this statement, France recognizes that significant improvements have been made in transparency and inclusiveness of the Council by having more open meetings and allowing member states with vested interests to be present at debates. France gives its support to further coordination of policy between the two bodies and more transparency from the Council. (Permanent Mission of France to the UN)

Security Council Reform : Size of the Council and Working Methods - Statement at the General Assembly by Mr. Hubert Renié, Counsellor at the French Permanent Mission to the United Nations (April 7, 2009)

In this statement, France underscores the need for changes in membership and working methods to bolster the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Council. Regarding working methods, the speech highlights the need to increase effectiveness, transparency and interaction with UN member states. (Permanent Mission of France to the UN)

General Assembly Meeting on Security Council Reform: Regional Representation – Statement by M. Jean-Maurice Ripert, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations (March 24, 2009)

In this statement, the French ignore the precise question of regional representation and address the more general issue of membership expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories. They reiterate their support for the G4 and African states, and raise the question of a permanent Arab seat on the Council. (Permanent Mission of France to the UN)

General Assembly Meeting on Security Council Reform : Right of Veto - Statement by Jean-Maurice Ripert, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations (March 16, 2009)

This statement pertains only to the use of the veto. The French caution entrusting veto power to new members and highlight that it is a large responsibility. France believes that it is an issue that could be resolved as a part of larger Security Council reform. (Permanent Mission of France to the UN)

General Assembly Meeting on Security Council Reform : Categories of Membership - Statement by H.E. Mr. Jean-Maurice Ripert, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations (March 4, 2009)

Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert stated to the General Assembly France’s support for membership changes in the Security Council as a part of reform. In this statement, the French give their support to the G4 and to Africa in their bids for permanent membership. Additionally, the Ambassador references the British-French proposal for an intermediate reform with immediately renewable seats with longer terms to experiment with composition of the Council before making permanent reforms. (Permanent Mission of France to the UN)

General Assembly President

Mr. Hennadiy Udovenko, Gen. Assembly President (September 8, 1998)

Mr. Hennadiy Udovenko, Gen. Assembly President (August 24, 1998)

Security Council Reform Paper of Ambassador Razali, General Assembly President (March 20, 1997)

Prof. Diego Freitas do Amaral, President of the GA, on SC Reform (January 16, 1996)

Germany

Germany: Statement by Ambassador Dr. Martin Ney, Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany (June 22, 2009)

Germany: Statement by Ambassador Thomas Matussek, the Permanent Representative of Germany (April 20, 2009)

Letter Submitted by the Germany to the Open Ended Working Group of the Security Council (March 31, 2000)

A proposal from Germany for Council members to explain reasons for casting a veto. Germany argues that for veto members of the Council, justifying their actions might make it more difficult for them to cast a veto. In an ideal scenario, they might even refrain from using the veto altogether. (A/AC.247/2000/CRP.5, Annex VII )

Interview with the German Foreign Minister, Joschka Fischer (November 12, 1998)

Ambassador Tono Eitel of Germany: Majority required for decisions on Security Council Reform (May 28, 1998)

Ambassador Tono Eitel of Germany on SC Working Methods (June 11, 1996)

Ambassador Gerhard Henze of Germany on SC Reform and Veto (May 23, 1996)

Ambassador Gerhard Hense of Germany on Composition & Size of the SC (May 10, 1996)

Ambassador Tono Eitel of Germany on Composition & Size of the SC (April 23, 1996)

Ambassador Tono Eitel of Germany on SC Reform (March 25, 1996)

Ambassador Tono Eitel of Germany on SC Reform (February 29, 1996)

Ambassador Tono Eitel of Germany on SC Reform (February 28, 1996)

German Announcement of Special Peacekeeping Fund (February 5, 1996)

German Press Release on Security Council Reform (February 1, 1996)

Ghana

Ambassador Jack Wilmot of Ghana on SC reform to the GA (October 29, 1996)

India

Intervention by Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri at the Informal Meeting (closed) of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Other Matters Related to the Council (March 2, 2011)

This statement by Ambassador Puri of India indicates that there has been little movement in the last year for Council reform despite attempts by many groups. He indicates that groups blocking the progress should stop given the greater will of members to reform the Security Council. He also refers to a Permanent Representative from the P5 saying in a meeting that while some oppose reform “they are not able to explain how the Council would be harmed by adding numbers when it is finding it difficult to deliver with the existing numbers.” Ambassador Puri also indicates that new permanent members must have the same rights, including the veto, as existing permanent members and that a general review should take place 15 years after the alterations are made to assess their success. (Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations)

Statement by Mr. Bhubaneswar Kalita on the Annual Security Council Report and Equitable Representation and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council (November 11, 2010)

This statement focuses on the need to reform working methods, specifically the annual report. Indian Parliament Member Bhubaneswar Kalita emphasizes in this speech that the “General Assembly has repeatedly requested that [the annual report of the Security Council] be more analytical and incisive rather than becoming a mere narration of events.” He also briefly touches on the other main subjects of Council reform. (Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations)

Intervention by Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri at the Informal Meeting (closed) of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Other Matters Related to the Council (July 12, 2010)

In this statement, the Indian Ambassador addresses the question of membership. Pointing to the general consensus that Council composition must be changed, he offers the main proposals and indicates how compromises could be found to solve the deadlock around membership categories and expansion on the Council. (Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations)

Remarks by Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri at the Informal Meeting (closed) of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Other Matters Related to the Council (June 11, 2010)

This statement expands on the statement from June 2, 2010 by discussing the negotiating text and the relationship between the General Assembly and the Security Council. Ambassador Puri stresses that there has been increasing cross-over of issues that both bodies are dealing with. He argues that the Council does not take its reports to the Assembly seriously because there is no information about rationale, efficacy or impact of the events of the previous year. (Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations)

Remarks by Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puriat the Informal Meeting (closed) of the Plenary on the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Other Matters Related to the Council (June 2, 2010)

Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri recognizes the importance of the negotiating text for Security Council Reform in this statement. He also emphasizes the six main issues and the points of convergence in the text, which he sees as the basis for intergovernmental negotiations. (Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations)

Intervention by Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri During the Informal Plenary of the Fourth Round of Negotiations on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council Reform and Related Matters (January 19, 2010)

In this statement to the General Assembly, Indian Ambassador Puri stresses that the majority of member states want a text for the next round of negotiations. (Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations)

India: Article from The Hindu Newspaper (June 23, 2009)

India: Statement by the Mission to the UN

Indonesia

Ambassador Makarim Wibisono of Indonesia on the need to reform the Security Council (December 16, 1999)

Iran

Iran Urges Reform of UN Security Council (July 14, 2009)

Italy

Statement by Ambassador Ragaglini on the Occasion of the Informal Meeting of the Plenary in the General Assembly on the Security Council Reform (March 2, 2011)

This statement made during the informal debates on Security Council reform stresses the need for flexibility and consensus among the members of the UN, which, according to the Italian Ambassador, the Uniting for Consensus group represents. (Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations)

Statement by Ambassador Ragaglini of Italy on Security Council Reform (November 11, 2010)

On November 11, 2010, the General Assembly held a meeting on the question of equitable representation and increased membership at the Security Council. In his statement, Ambassador Ragaglini of Italy presented the position of Uniting for Consensus, a group of countries that oppose an increase in the number of permanent seats at the Council. Uniting for Consensus argues that creating more permanent seats would postpone rather than solve the problem, as the Council would have to add more of these seats in 15 or 20 years to accommodate new geopolitical changes. Rather, the Council should be opened to new long-term non-permanent members and consider the possibility of regional representation. (Mission of Italy to the UN)

Italy: Statement by Ambassador Giulio Terzi on Security Council Reform (September 2, 2009)

Ambassador Terzi argues that the greatest obstacle for a Security Council reform is the G4 group's persistent request for permanent seats. According to Terzi, expanding the Security Council with five permanent members would make the council neither more democratic nor more representative. Furthermore, identifying five countries that deserve these permanent seats would be close to impossible, since the role of international actors in the world constantly changes due to political and economic factors. (Permanent Mission of Italy to the United Nations)

Statement by Colombia and Italy on Security Council Reform (April 20, 2009)

Italy: Statement by Franco Frattini, Minister of Foreign Affairs (February 5, 2009)

Statement by Italian Ambassador on G-4's "Unethical" Behavior (July 26, 2005)

Reforms "cannot be dictated by power or money," warned Italian Ambassador Marcello Spatafora, as he accused Group of Four countries of using "financial leverage" in order to gain support for their Security Council enlargement resolution. In this surprisingly harsh and direct statement, Spatafora implores the General Assembly to take a stand on the G-4's improper and unethical practices rather than "sweep the dust under the carpet."

Statment by Italian Ambassador Sergio Vento on Security Council Reform (October 31, 2001)

Ambassador Vento restates Italy's position opposing additional permanent members of the Security Council. He also advocates increasing the Council's transparency and accountability. (Italian Mission to the UN)

Letter Submitted by the Delegation of Italy to the Open Ended Working Group of the Security Council (July 10, 2000)

A draft paper for discussion regarding "legal observation on the notion of permanent membership on the Security Council." Italy hopes to push for progress in the deliberations by focusing on fundamental and structural questions, rather than meddling with the ambiguous language often used in Security Council reform proposals.(Document A/AC.247/2000/CRP.5)

Ambassador Fulci (Italy) on the reform of the Security Council (February 18/19, 1999)

Ambassador Fulci (Italy) on the reform of the Security Council (February 8, 1999)

Reforming the Security Council - an Italian View (December 1998)

Ambassador Paolo Fulci of Italy: Majority for SC Reform Decisions (June 23, 1998)

Ambassador Paolo Fulci of Italy on SC reform to the GA (October 29, 1996)

Revised Italian Proposal on Security Council Reform (May 1996)

Ambassador Paolo Fulci of Italy on SC Reform (May 20, 1996)

Ambassador Paolo Fulci of Italy on SC Reform (April 22, 1996)

Ambassador Paolo Fulci of Italy to the GA on SC Reform (November 13, 1995)

Japan

Japan: Statement by Ambassador Yukio Takasu (February 19, 2009)

Ambassador Yukio Satoh, Permanent Representative of Japan (November 20, 1998)

Liechtenstein

Statement on the Working Methods of the Security Council (April 22, 2010)

Ambassador Christian Wenaweser of Liechtenstein made this statement on behalf of the S-5. It summarizes the prior events and outlines the guidelines that the S-5 support for reforming the working methods to enhance transparency, access and inclusion of other member states in the Security Council. (Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations)

Proposal on Security Council Reform: Elements for the Immediate Model (February 26, 2010)

This proposal from Liechtenstein provides an outline for an intermediate solution to Security Council reform that could be agreed upon and used for an interim period while more permanent changes are negotiated. (Permanent Mission of Liechtenstein to the United Nations)

Statements on the Report of the Security Council and the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council (November 12, 2009)

Statement by Foreign Minister Aurelia Frick at the 64^th Session of the UN General Assembly (September 26, 2009)

Statement on Security Council Reform: Working Methods (June 22, 2009)

Statement on Security Council Reform: Review Clause (May 22, 2009)

Statement on Security Council Reform: Relationship with the General Assembly (April 20, 2009)

Statement on Security Council Reform: The Question of the Veto (March 16, 2009)

Statement at the Opening of Intergovernmental Negotiations on Security Council Reform (February 19, 2009)

Statement on Security Council Reform (November 18, 2008)

Statement on Security Council Reform Including Working Methods (June 17, 2008)

Statement on Security Council Reform Including Working Methods (April 10, 2008)

Statement on Security Council Reform Including Working Methods (May 3, 2007)

Statement on the Five Sub-Topics of Security Council Reform Including Working Methods (February 20-23, 2007)

Statement on Security Council Reform Including Working Methods (February 8, 2007)

Statement on Small Five Draft Resolution (July 20, 2006)

Statement on Security Council Reform Including Working Methods (April 20, 2006)

Statement by Foreign Minister Rita Kieber-Beck (September 23, 2005)

Statement on Security Council Reform (September 13, 2004)

Statement on the Report of the Security Council (October 14, 2003)

Malaysia

Ambassador Razali Ismail of Malaysia on Decision Making and the Veto" (March 1, 1996)

Ambassador Ismail of Malaysia, "Towards Permanent Regional Representation" (February 28, 1996)

Mexico

Ambassador Tello of Mexico on the Veto (April 21, 1998)

Ambassador Manuel Tello of Mexico on Secutiry Council Reform (December 4, 1997)

Mexico Paper on the Veto (13 May 1996)

Ambassador Manuel Tello of Mexico on SC Reform (April 22, 1996)

New Zealand

Ambassador Michael Powles of New Zealand declares that the Security Council must become able to respond quickly to any crisis (October 8, 1999)

Argentina-New Zealand Proposal on SC Working Methods and Procedures (June 7, 1996)

Ambassador Colin Keating of New Zealand on SC Working Methods (June 5, 1996)

Ambassador Colin Keating of New Zealand on the Veto (May 23, 1996)

Ambassador Colin Keating of New Zealand on key issues of SC reform (May 20, 1996)

Non Aligned Movement

Ambassador Nabil Elaraby of Egypt (NAM): Majority Required for Decisions on Security Council Reform (June 22, 1998)

Text of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries (June 27, 1997)

Negotiating paper on Cluster II issues by the Mvt. of Non-Aligned Countries (April 30, 1997)

Declaration on Security Council Reform by the Foreign Ministers of the Non-Aligned Movement (April 8, 1997)

Statement from ministerial meeting in New Delhi which is seen as a setback to the Razali proposal

Open Ended Working Group

Negotiating Text Prepared by the Bureau of the Working Group (May 29, 1997)

Statements by the Vice-Chairmen of the Working Group (May 16, 1997)

Negotiating paper on Cluster II issues by the Mvt. of Non-Aligned Countries (April 30, 1997)

Pakistan

Statement by Pakistan Ambassador on Security Council Reform (July 11, 2005)

In his statement to the General Assembly during the debate on the Group of Four's draft framework resolution, Pakistani Ambassador Munir Akram warns that Brazil, Germany, India and Japan have "hijacked" the important goal of strengthening the UN. Using strongly critical language, Akram says the G-4's drive for permanent Security Council seats is purely a selfish move, and "to add insult to injury, self-interest has been portrayed as altruism." Akram instead endorses the proposal of the Uniting for Consensus group.

Ambassador Shamshad Ahmad Khan of Pakistan at the General Assembly (November 18, 2000)

Strongly opposing any move to expand the permanent seats in the council, Pakistan's Ambassador states that "There is no justification for the creation of new centers of privilege at the cost and expense of the rest of the membership." (Karachi Dawn)

Statement by Pakistani Ambassador Inam ul Haque presenting views on Security Council reform (December 20th, 1999)

Pakistani Permanent Representative Kamal on equitable representation, enlargement and related matters (June 16, 1999)

Ambassador Ahmad Kamal of Pakistan on Bureau's SC reform paper (June 10, 1997)

Philippines

Republic of Philippines: Press Release by the Mission to the UN (June 11, 2009)

Republic of Philippines: Press Release by the Mission to the UN (March 17, 2009)

Poland

Position Paper by Poland (June 12, 1997)

Portugal

Ambassador Monteiro of Portugal: Symposium on Targeted Sanctions - Iraq (December 7, 1998)

Ambassador António Monteiro of Portugal: Children in Armed Conflict (June 29, 1998)

Ambassador Antonio Monteiro on Security Council Reform (October 28, 1997)

Russia

Russian Deputy Granovsky Favors Enlargement in a speech which also condems unilateral action by NATO, the Russians support giving the LDCs permanent seats (June 22, 1999)

Russia Rejects the Abolition of the Veto while supporting efforts to expand the Security Council (March 24, 1999)

Ambassador Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the Veto (May 22, 1996)

Secretary General of the United Nations

Secretary General Boutros-Ghali in Mexico City on SC Reform (March 4, 1996)

Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali on Negative Effects of Sanctions (January 5, 1996)

Singapore

Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan of Singapore on Security Council Reform (December 4, 1997)

Counsellor Karen Tan of Singapore on the P5 and SC reform (May 9, 1997)

Ambassador Bilahari Kausikan of Singapore on the P5 and Council Reform (May 5, 1997)

Small Five

Statement on the Working Methods of the Security Council (April 22, 2010)

Small-5 Group on Reform of Working Methods of Security Council (April 7, 2009)

Ambassador Peter Maurer of Switzerland presented this brief statement on behalf of the Small-5 Group (Liechtenstein, Singapore, Switzerland, Jordan and Costa Rica). He emphasized that reform of the Council should be extended beyond membership change to include reform of the Council's working methods. The S-5 wants change in the way the Council meets, the way it conducts its business, the way it interacts with the General Assembly and the means by which it is transparent and responsive to the international community. The S-5, which has been working for several years, has submitted a formal proposal and requests Council action on it. (Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN)

Small Five Elements for Reflection (April 2009)

This document compiled by the S5 explains the working methods reforms they support to create more transparency and efficiency in the Council. (Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the UN)

Solomon Islands

Prof. Fruchtbaum (Soloman Islands) on reforming the Security Council (February 11, 1999)

South Africa

South Africa: Statement by Ambassador Baso Sangqu (May 25, 2009)

South Korea

Ambassador Lee See-Young of South Korea on the need to renew efforts to reform the Security Council (January 25, 2000)

Counsellor Kim Won-Soo of Korea on building a censensus for Security Council enlargement (June 24, 1999)

Counsellor Kim Won-Soo of Korea on how the Security Council but not the number of veto powers needs to be expanded (March 24, 1999)

Ambassador Park Soo Gil of the Republic of Korea on SC Reform (June 10, 1997)

Mr. Joon Kook Hwang, Republic of Korea, on SC Reform (May 2 - 8, 1997)

Ambassador Park Soo Gil of the Republic of Korea on SC Reform (April 28, 1997)

Ambassador Park Soo Gil of the Republic of Korea on SC Reform (October 30, 1996)

Ambassador Sung Hong Choi of the Republic of Korea on SC Reform (June 11, 1996)

Ambassador Park Soo Gil of the Republic of Korea on SC Reform (May 22, 1996)

Ambassador Park Soo Gil of the Republic of Korea on SC Reform (April 26, 1996)

Spain

Statement by the Mission of Spain on Security Council Reform (November 12, 2009)

Spain's ambassador worries about member states' lack of flexibility and willingness to compromise on UN reform questions. According to him, some states refuse to give their opinion on the most essential issues such as the question of the veto and the debatable relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly. To move forward in the reform process, all countries must stop beating around the bush and state their true opinion. (Reform the UN)

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abel Matutes of Spain on greater transparency, efficiency, and democratization of the Security Council (September 21, 1999)

Ambassador Arias of Spain Responds to Accusations (November 20, 1998)

Ambassador Arias of Spain on the Veto and Proposes a Compromise Solution (April 23, 1998)

Sweden

Statement by Swedish Ambassador on Security Council Reform (July 11, 2005)

Swedish Ambassador Anders Lidén considers Security Council reform "one of the more daunting tasks and also one of the most important" preceding the General Assembly (GA) meeting in September 2005. Taking note of the existing Group of Four tabled resolution, Lidén argues against even the consideration of veto power for new permanent members, while asking for a review mechanism to ensure that a two-thirds majority vote in the GA could replace new permanent members who "fail in their responsibilities."

Anna Lindh of Sweden calls for moratorium on the use of the veto in the Security Council (September 21, 1999)

Swedish Ambassador Salander on Equitable Representation (December 4, 1997)

Swedish Foreign Minister Lena Hjelm-Wallén on Reforming the Council (September 24, 1997)

Switzerland

Statement by Ambassador Peter Maurer on the Report of the Security Council and the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Related Matters (November 11, 2010)

This statement addresses the UK’s 2010 Report on the Security Council and the issue of representation. Ambassador Maurer commends the report for being more reflective than narrative. (Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations)

Statement by Ambassador Peter Maurer at the Start of the Intergovernmental Negotiations (February 19, 2009)

At the start of intergovernmental negotiation on Security Council Reform, Ambassador Maurer of Switzerland highlights his country’s policies. He critiques the deadlock over expansion and membership reform and stresses the need to continue improving the transparency and working methods. (Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations)

Security Council Open Debate on the Joint Briefing of the Chairpersons of the Subsidiary Bodies of the Security Council (Counter-Terrorism Committee, 1267 Committee, and 1540 Committee) (November 12, 2008)

In this statement to the General Assembly, Ambassador Maurer critiques the subsidiary bodies and their working methods. He emphasizes proposed changes that Switzerland and Lichtenstein brought forward during the discussion period on reforms of transparency and working methods. (Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations)

Statement by Mr. Andreas Baum Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the United Nations (June 20, 2008)

This statement by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland focuses on the working methods of the Security Council. It reiterates the main points made by the S5 about how the working methods should be reformed so that the Council is more inclusive and better equipped to do its job. (Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations)

United Kingdom

UK/French Position on Reform of the United Nations Security Council (March 1, 2010)

Statement by UK Embassador Jeremy Greenstock on UN Security Council Reform. (October 30, 2001)

Ambassador Greenstock reaffirms the UK's commitment to implementing a comprehensive reform of the Security Council . (UK Mission to the UN)

Ambassador Sir John Weston of the United Kingdom on the Veto (May 21, 1996)

United States

Statement by Ambassador Susan E. Rice, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, at an Informal Meeting of the General Assembly on Security Council Reform (February 19, 2009)

In this statements, Ambassador Rice highlights the need for Security Council reform to make the Council representative of a 21^st century world, and expresses US support for expansion as long as it does not reduce the effectiveness or efficiency of the body. The US also sees Council reform as a separate issue from more general UN reform. (US Mission to the UN)

Statement by US Ambassador on Security Council Reform (November 10, 2005)

In his statement to the General Assembly, US Ambassador John Bolton reiterated that the US will not support the attempts of Germany, Brazil and India to enlarge the Security Council, arguing that boosting the number of seats to 25 would weaken the body's ability to act. Neither will it consider the proposal from Switzerland, Singapore, Jordan, Costa Rica and Liechtenstein to improve the methods of work of the Security Council: "As clearly stated in the Charter, the Security Council alone can determine its own working methods and procedures."

Statement by US Ambassador Tahir-Kheli on Security Council Reform (July 12, 2005)

Addressing the Group of Four countries as "good friends of the United States," Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State for UN Reform, Ambassador Shirin Tahir-Kheli nevertheless says, "Let me be as clear as possible: the US does not think any proposal to expand the Security Council" including one based on our own ideas "should be voted upon at this stage." She dismisses the G-4 and other proposals because they lack broad support and could undermine the effectiveness of the Council, and urges other countries to oppose a vote on the G-4's framework resolution.

US "Fact Sheet" on UN Security Council Expansion from the Bureau of International Organization Affairs (January 5, 2000)

Ambassador Bill Richardson of the US on Security Council Reform (July 17, 1997)

US Minister Counselor Cameron Hume on SC Decision-Making and the Veto (May 23, 1996)

US State Dept. Views on Reform Measures for the Security Council (April 24, 1996)

Other Groups

United For Consensus (UfC) Group on Security Council Reform (April 2009)

Paper on Principles and Procedures for Intergovernmental Negotiations by United for Consensus (UfC)(December 2008)

Procedural Developments in the Security Council - 2001 (June 6, 2002)

This UN Secretariat report shows developments in the procedures and working methods that the Security Council has undertaken in 2001 to promote transparency, openness and efficiency. The document provides interesting data on the work of the Council.

Foreign Ministers in Havana Call for Democratization of United Nations, Enlargement of Security Council (April 12, 2000)

In an informal discussion of G77 members, ministers of developing countries urged the democratization of the decision making process in the UN. They also called to discard the "one-size-fits-all" mentality of describing what constitutes a democratic government. (Group of 77)