On October 29, Vietnam once again confirmed its status in the International arena by fulfilling its role as the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) President for the second time.

A US-based Voice of Vietnam (VOV) correspondent has interviewed the Head of the Vietnamese delegation to the UN and Head Representative to the UNSC, Ambassador Le Luong Minh on Vietnam taking up this somber task.

Reporter:  In October, Vietnam successfully assumed its role as UNSC President, Could you brief us on the UNSC’s activities over the last month?

Mr Minh: Last month, the UNSC had a large volume of work while Vietnam assumed its UNSC Presidency. Based on the activities run by UN missions, the UNSC approved the agenda, including 15-16 meetings. However, by the end of November 1, the final day of Vietnam’s one-month UNSC presidency in October, this powerful organisation had held 30 meetings, even up to four per day. September also saw 19 meetings. Due to unexpected events, the council had to deal with a lot of important issues.

Reporter: An open debate on “Women, Peace and Security” chaired by Vietnam in October was praised by the UN. This topic is nothing new as the UN has adopted three resolutions on women-related issues. In your opinion, what new points made the debate successful?

Mr Minh: On assuming the UNSC Presidency for the second time, Vietnam proposed two open debates: one on” Women, Peace and Security” in October 2009 and the other on “ Children and Armed Conflicts” in July 2008. Vietnam expressed its point of view on the role of the most vulnerable sections of society. Women and children should not be seen as victims of violence, policies and realities unsuited to ensuring security.

When they get involved in the process of ensuring peace and security, they can maintain peace and security in their countries on a long-term basis. Therefore, Vietnam has proposed open discussions on women, peace and security to have a comprehensive and in depth look on these issues.

Reporter: Being the Asian representative in the UN Security Council, how can Vietnam co-ordinate and solve issues in Asia as UNSC President.

Mr Minh: Currently, there are three emerging issues in Asia. First is the Afghanistan issue over last month. The UNSC had to make a decision on extending international security forces as civilians are being killed regularly in this country. Second is the issue relating to Iraq and Pakistan where there have been a lot of terrorist attacks. Third is the East Timor matter, which has been spotlighted among the many other conflicts in the world.

Currently, the East Timor issue has been solved and the UN has fulfilled its task and responsibilities to the country. With Vietnam in the chair, the UNSC has had many constructive debates.

Reporter: Can you assess the results achieved by Vietnam after one month of taking over the rotating presidency of the UNSC?

Mr Minh: Being a non-permanent member, Vietnam has chaired the UNSC with a stance of independence, self-control, and objectiveness. We are trying to reach a consensus to increase the UNSC’s prestige and effectiveness. While solving the UNSC’s current issues, Vietnam has always respected the legitimate interests of all parties. Moreover, we emphasised the need to seek solutions through dialogue, peaceful negotiations and to avoid using force. Thanks to this, we have resolved the UNSC’s issues effectively, with positive and detailed results.

Last month, the UNSC approved five resolutions including the resolutions to increase the international forces in Afghanistan, and the mandate from a group of experts regarding Sudan issue, the UN peacekeeping force in Haiti as well as devising some measures on the embargo against the Ivory Coast. The UNSC also approved the 1889 resolution highlighting issues on “Women, Peace and Security”. 

Reporter: Thank you.