General Debate of the 60th Session
of the United Nations General Assembly

New York, November 10, 2005

Check Against Delivery

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Mr. Chairman,

We all probably agree that the reform and expansion of the Security Council is long overdue. Such a reform - which would make the Security Council a more representative, transparent and efficient body - has been rightly seen as a key element of the overall UN reform, and a wave of hope in this regard has been generated in the course of preparation of this year's UN Summit. However, the issue has proven to be too difficult to be resolved as part of the Summit Outcome, despite of the fact that we were closer than ever to find a reasonable clue. A clue which would gain prevailing support in the General Assembly, an option second best to a clearly elusive consensus.

Our views on the Security Council reform are well known: The Czech Republic has been consistently supporting the enlargement of the Security Council in both categories of membership, that is the enlargement in permanent members category as well as the enlargement in elected members category. This has driven us naturally in the camp of supporters of the G-4 draft resolution earlier this year, and for number of reasons (importantly it seeks to substantively enhance the representation of developing countries) we continue to believe that this proposal offers a viable model for the Council's expansion, a model that still has a potential to win the required majority of member states.

Mr. Chairman,

Along with the efforts to enlarge the Council, we should not loose sight of its reform in the area of working methods. Here, we find the so-called "Swiss proposal" very inspiring. However, due to complexities and sensitivity of these questions, including their possible interference with other reform issues, it seems that a further and careful consideration of this proposal is necessary. The Czech delegation stands ready to take part in this effort.

Thank you.