Addressing the UN General Assembly’s joint debate on the Security Council’s report and its membership proposal, in New York on November 12, Ambassador Hoang Chi Trung acknowledged the UNSC’s efforts in dealing with conflict situations, peacekeeping, peace-building, mediation, protection of civilians in armed conflicts, women, peace and security, as well as to the work of its subsidiary organs.

Regarding the Security Council’s reform, he said the current membership structure is still a challenge to the United Nations’ fundamental principles of equality, representation and proper reflection of the geopolitical realities of our time.

“Reforming the Security Council and its working methods must ensure that the agenda of the Council reflects the needs and interests of both developing and developed countries in an objective, rational, non-selective and non-arbitrary manner,” said Trung.

He added that pending its final elimination, the application of veto power by the permanent members must be restricted and preventive diplomacy should be further promoted along with concerted efforts for peaceful settlement of conflicts rather than reactive measures with abusive punitive sanctions.

He took the occasion to reiterate Vietnam ’s firm position that the Security Council should be enlarged in both categories, permanent and non-permanent, with more representatives from developing countries.