Maravi

(HERALD) ‘Security Council reform imperative’

‘Security Council reform imperative’
Herald Reporter

The United Nations today commemorates 64 years of existence with Zimbabwe reiterating its calls for the total transformation of the Security Council for the successful implementation of its global mandate of maintaining peace and security.

Speaking at the official UN Day commemorations in Harare yesterday, multilateral affairs head of division in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Godfrey Magwenzi, said the organisation was born out of a universally shared necessity to promote and guarantee peace and security across the globe.

"As we celebrate the 64th anniversary of the UN, Zimbabwe — like most developing countries — looks forward with optimism at the on going reforms of the UN systems, specifically the reform of the Security Country.

"The Security Council has manifested several deficiencies under its current composition and methods of work.

"Given the realities and needs of the post-war global situation, it has been deemed unrepresentative and undemocratic, resulting in calls for its reform in particular so it can accommodate marginalised continents, Africa included.

"The reform of the Security Council is imperative to ensure the successful implementation of its global mandate of maintaining international peace and security," he said.

Mr Magwenzi said Zimbabwe stood by the Ezulwini Consensus, which represents Africa’s position on Security Council reform.

"That position is now a matter of public knowledge and essentially seeks two permanent and five non-permanent Security Council seats for Africa."
He said Africa maintained that any reforms should see to it that all permanent members either had or did not have veto power.

Acting UN country representative Dr Peter Salama said the global body was encouraged by the positive developments in Zimbabwe.

"We are being called upon to align ourselves with the priorities of the inclusive Government from the constitutional process to the long-term revitalisation of the social sectors in health, water and sanitation, education, social welfare and agricultural sectors of which Zimbabweans were once rightfully very proud," he said.

Dr Salama restated the UN’s commitment and solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe.
He said Zimbabwe currently stood at a historic crossroads that needed a "bold and effective" UN more than ever.

Labels: SECURITY COUNCIL, UN

posted by MrK @ 6:22 PM