Statement By
Mr. Jeem S. Lippwe
Charge d'Affaires, a.i.
Permanent Mission of the
Federated States of Micronesia to the UN
Before the
21st informal meeting 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
New York, 11 June 2009
Check Against Delivery
Mr. Chairman,
I have the honor to align my brief remarks with the statement delivered on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) by the distinguished representative of Nauru.
For more than a decade, this Organization has had several occasions to tackle the elusive goals to reform the United Nations Security Council. Nevertheless, this opportunity today provides a unique opportunity to re-focus our attention, to further the work already underway, and to encourage even stronger commitment by member states to bring these intergovernmental negotiations to a decisive and successful end.
Global realities make it imperative that we must reform our Organization, including the Security Council. As it regards the Council, it must be enlarged, yet manageable enough to ensure that the Council functions effectively and efficiently.
Mr. Chairman,
Micronesia continues to support an enlargement of the Security Council in both of its permanent and non-permanent categories. The Council must account for the increase in the UN membership and reflects present day realities if it is to remain relevant, legitimate and credible. My delegation is flexible on the ultimate size of the Council, but we must emphasize manageability, effectiveness and efficiency as overriding principles. We maintain our support for the equitable geographical distribution of seats, in both membership categories, to accommodate the under-represented regions. All countries of the world, developed or developing, and which are able and committed to the maintenance of peace and security, must have the opportunity to serve on the Council. The small island developing states (SIDS), which comprises a large percentage of the membership of this United Nations, must also be accorded a seat within the existing group structures.
It goes without saying, Mr. Chairman, that membership in a reformed Security Council, particularly in the permanent category, must include those countries that consistently and significantly contribute most to this Organization.
I thank you.
|