Pakistan has called for preserving principles of the UN Charter and the structure of constructive and cooperative multilateralism. This was stated by Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations Munir Akram while delivering statement in the General Assembly Plenary "Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council".

He said Pakistan welcomes this annual General Assembly debate on the reform of the Security Council. He said today, the principles of the UN Charter and structures built 77 years ago under its framework are under extreme stress due to revived great power rivalry and competition.

The Ambassador said General Assembly has agreed - repeatedly - that the Security Council needs to be reformed through its expansion on the basis of equitable geographic representation. He said we need a more representative, democratic, transparent, effective and accountable Security Council.

Munir Akram said reform of the Security Council involves the vital national interest of each and every Member State. He regretted that unfortunately, consensus on Security Council reform has been impeded, from the outset, by the demand of four countries that they be selected as new permanent members in an expanded Security Council.

He said their demand violates the principle of sovereign equality of States; it ignores the reality that permanent membership and the veto are often the cause of the Council's inaction. The problem cannot be offered as the solution.

On the other hand, the UfC has evolved a proposal for Security Council reform which is based on an objective analysis and equitable accommodation of the interests of all Member States and regions. We are convinced that it is the best basis for consensus on Security Council reform, he added.

Mr. President, The IGN process was agreed by consensus in decision 62/557. It is a member driven process. It has served us well. Through this process, we have progressively enlarged the areas of convergence and reduced the areas of divergence.

The UfC welcomed the Common Elements paper of formulated by the previous Co-Chairs. Once again, we would like to thank them for their efforts and contribution. The Common Elements paper reflected their understanding of the areas of convergence and divergence at present. It is a useful modality to reflect our negotiations, he reiterated.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan-INP