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FSM supports inclusion of Japan as a permanent member on an expanded Security Council

New York (FSM Permanent Mission to the UN): October 12, 2004 - With the United Nations General Assembly debating for the second day the question of equitable representation on and in the membership of the United Nations Security Council and related matters, the Federated States of Micronesia joined in the debate by supporting Japan's inclusion as a permanent member on an expanded Security Council.

In a statement delivered Tuesday in the debate in the plenary of the United Nations General Assembly, Mr. Jeem S. Lippwe, speaking on behalf of the delegation of Micronesia, called on Member States to give fresh consideration to the Council's composition in light of present day realities, particularly in light of he Council's increasing and expanding role in the promotion of international peace and security. An expanded, more balanced and representative Security Council would make its work and decisions more acceptable within the wider global community, and also meet the expectation of the people of the world, he said.

To meet emerging challenges, the delegation of Micronesia calls for a reformed and expanded Security Council that is truly representative, both in its permanent and non-permanent categories. At the same time, the increase in the Council's membership should not hamper its effectiveness.

In any expansion scenario, the delegation of Micronesia advocated for the developing world, which has found itself marginalized in the current set up of the Council, to hold an equitable number of seats.

For membership in the permanent category, the Micronesian delegation called for particular consideration to be given to Japan, one of the largest contributors to the United Nations budget. Japan, Mr. Lippwe pointed out, has consistently committed substantial resources towards the UN and towards the maintenance of global peace and security. Any reform of the Council would be incomplete without Japan's becoming a member, he declared, adding that Germany and India deserved inclusion as permanent members of a reformed Council.

The delegation of Micronesia also stated that discussions of wider United Nations reform should also give due attention to removing obsolete provisions of the Charter. In that regard, the time has come to remove "enemy state" clauses and designations.