THE UN: The Government and Opposition parties yesterday welcomed the report on the future of the UN, with all parties agreeing that the present structures were outdated. Mark Brennock, Chief Political Correspondent, reports
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Ahern, said the UN could only be as effective as its members allowed it to be.
"Secretary-General Annan needs the full support of the United Nations as he assumes the task of securing agreement on a package of reforms," he said.
Ireland was a strong supporter of the secretary-general's efforts to ensure that the UN system is made more effective and stood ready to help, he went on.
"It is critically important that at the high-level meeting taking place at the UN next September, which will also examine progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals, we agree a package of reforms to improve the functioning and effectiveness of the UN system," said Mr Ahern.
The Fine Gael MEP, Mr Gay Mitchell, said if there is to be serious reform of the UN Security Council, the EU should ultimately speak there with one voice. With the evolution in global and European politics taking place, it was wrong that the proposed new models for the Security Council still give the UK and France permanent seats on it.
He said the report concedes that the Security Council needs the capacity to act more quickly and decisively. "But if a council of 15 can't do it, I don't know how a council of 24 will."
Labour's foreign affairs spokesman Mr Michael D. Higgins said the report was "an important, and long overdue, attempt to address shortcomings in the UN system, that re-emphasises some of the most basic developmental aims of the UN.
"He welcomed the report's recommendations on enlarging the Security Council to provide for fuller representation from all continents and major regions. However, he said the report paid little attention to the issue of removing the veto from the five hitherto permanent members.
Although the report was a welcome attempt to address important issues. "If it could have been more courageous, this probably reflects the interests of the major powers in the review group."
Green Party foreign affairs spokesman Mr John Gormley said he was in favour of the document in broad terms. "We are in favour of many of the recommendations," he said, to reflect the fact that the world has changed dramatically since the current structures were agreed upon.
Sinn Féin's foreign affairs spokesman Mr Aengus Ó Snodaigh said it was essential to democratise the Security Council. A debate was now to take place on the proposed reforms between now and September next, and the Government's position "must reflect the views of the vast majority of people if possible".