Statement by H.E. Mr. Andrejs Pildegovičs, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Latvia to the UN, at the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and the increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council
New York, 25 January 2021
Distinguished Co-Chairs,
At the outset, let me take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Poland and Qatar for undertaking this important yet challenging task of chairing IGN and facilitating this long-overdue process, especially against current backdrop. Our delegation is committed to work with you and will support your efforts to its best abilities.
We are in agreement that the reform must be accomplished through carefully tailored consensus and earn comprehensive political approval. It is our duty to find political will amongst ourselves and do our best to explore ways to bridge the gaps and narrow our differences.
While the notion of expanding and reforming the UN Security Council is only gaining importance, the gap between the Council’s demanding agenda and its output increases. Now, we are under even tighter time constraints due to Covid-19. Having said that, we strongly believe that building upon former discussions and the work already done in previous IGN sessions is our way forward. Swift move towards more substantive discussions and text-based negotiations must be launched without delay.
Co-Chairs,
Latvia remains convinced that correct representation of today’s geopolitical realities in the Security Council is critical. We call for a greater representation of African countries in both permanent and non-permanent categories, Latin American and Caribbean states, allocation of at least one additional non-permanent seat to the Eastern European Group and an equitable balance among small, medium and large countries.
Furthermore, enlargement of any sort has to be supplemented by improving the working methods of the Security Council. We stand by our position that Council’s permanent members should refrain from using their veto in situations of mass atrocity crimes and work to increase transparency in its work all together.
In conclusion, this session is another opportunity to urgently move beyond merely reiterating positions and finally attain tangible results. Latvia will continue to work diligently to achieve the long awaited reform of the Security Council.
Thank you.