The intergovernmental negotiations entered an exciting new phase on 3 February, when Member States started meaningful negotiations on the proposals concerning the relationship between the Security Council and the General Assembly. The debate showed more convergence than difference of opinions. While more controversial issues may await Member States, the momentum is building for moving ahead more decisively on the issue of reforms.
With the President of the General Assembly, H.E. Mogens Lykketoft (PGA) in attendance, H.E. Amb. Sylvie Lucas, Permanent Representative of Luxembourg, Chair of the IGN kicked off the 12th round of intergovernmental negotiations on 3 February.
For the first time, Member States have shown genuine willingness to discuss the substance of proposals compiled in the enhanced framework document of 31 July 2015. The first topic, namely the relationship between the Council and the General Assembly has drawn 50+ statements made by the countries, and all the negotiating groups (CARICOM, African States, L69, UfC, Arab States, G4 and Nordic Countries).
While still not engaged in text-based negotiations, favorable changes in the positions of the African Group, the UfC, Russia and China allowed Member States to find convergence of ideas and to start narrowing down differences.
In his statement H.E. Amb. Zsolt Hetesy, Deputy Permanent Representative expressed support for enhancing the relationship between the Council and all other relevant stakeholders. He also stressed that strengthening does not require Charter Amendment, while some steps can be taken even through simple implementation of existing rules. Since other fora and organs also deal with similar issues, the IGN should focus on the “big picture” while division of labor should be kept in mind.
Please find the full statement here.
