Enlargement of UNSC membership sensitive issue under discussion
Regional-Egypt, Politics, 5/16/2002

Egypt's Permanent Representative to the U.N. Ambassador Ahmed Abul Gheit said the enlargement of the Security Council's membership is one of the most sensitive issues now under discussion.

If the membership is actually enlarged, it will be the first time since 1965 when four non-permanent members were added, setting the number of non-permanent members at 15, he said late Monday.

The U.N. has been debating this issue since 1993 from two aspects: First, if the enlargement will involve the five permanent and 15 non-permanent members, and whether it would entail the new permanent members the right to veto a resolution, he added.

The second aspect is improving the council's system and rendering it more democratic and transparent for its resolutions to conform with the international community's views and will, he said.

On the other hand, Abul Gheit pointed out that the UN General Assembly session concerned with childhood was concluded following discussions and consultation on the differences between Arab, Islamic and developing countries on one hand, European Union on the other hand.

He added that the document was approved following two years consultations and negotiations over the past two weeks.

He added that the document included an important part on children labour and on protecting them. Abul Gheit noted that Egypt and other countries took firm stances against European counties, US and Japan attempt to put conditions on offering aid to children.

Egypt also rejected to include any paragraphs that contradict with Islamic religion and ethics.

Previous Stories:
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