ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT EXPRESSES HOPE THAT 'FORWARD MOMENTUM' CAN BE SUSTAINED TOWARDS CONCLUSION OF WORK OF SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM WORKING GROUP
Press Release
GA/9251
ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT EXPRESSES HOPE THAT 'FORWARD MOMENTUM' CAN BE SUSTAINED TOWARDS CONCLUSION OF WORK OF SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM WORKING GROUP
19970610 Following are remarks of the President of the General Assembly, Razali Ismail (Malaysia), who is Chairman of the Open-ended Working Group on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Other Matters related to the Security Council, as he addressed the Group today:Allow me to add a few words after the introduction by Ambassador Fredrik Breitenstein to the bureau's paper, conference room paper 8 (CRP.8). The fact that this paper is now out is a distinct statement by the bureau that it intends to move forward. And this has been due to the detailed and constructive discussions that the Working Group had during the previous two sessions in March and April/May this year. The purpose of CRP.8 is clear. It has distilled from the Working Group discussions the necessary elements that would constitute a comprehensive package to arrive, in the many days ahead, at a phase of negotiations. This paper will not win approval of all, but it will be supported by the mainstream. I commend the Bureau for its courage and decisiveness.
I very much hope that the forward momentum gained so far can be strengthened further and sustained towards possible conclusion of our work. I believe productive discussion of this paper in the Working Group and within like-minded groups can bring about a negotiating environment.
At the last meeting we asked ourselves whether we are ready or not to elevate our discussion to the next stage. The answers have been mainly positive. The bureau is ready to facilitate all efforts in this context.
The Organization of African Unity (OAU) Summit of African leaders held in Harare has just concluded. The bureau looks forward to the fuller participation by our African colleagues in examining all aspects of this paper and their views on how to proceed in light of the OAU's declaration. Africa has made known its stand. How does that position impact and take into account the consolidated position as contained in CRP.8? Also there is the Non- Aligned Movement position, reflected to an extent in CRP.8, together with other views. How would the Non-Aligned Ministers in September take into account CRP.8 and its development by September, moving from a position of principles as enunciated in New Delhi to one of negotiating? This applies to other countries and groups as well, e.g., the P5 [Permanent Five].
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