Major UN decision may influence P5’s ‘veto’ choices, says UNGA President Korosi

United Nations General Assembly President Csaba Korosi has mentioned a decision handed within the General Assembly may rein in these ‘veto-wielding’ P5 nations who make the most of the UNSC’s opaque system.

New Delhi,UPDATED: Jan 31, 2023 14:34 IST

A file photograph of the United Nations (PTI)

By Geeta Mohan: President of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Csaba Korosi, on his go to to India, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and petroleum minister Hardeep Puri, emphasising that the aim of his go to is to “seek allies in the process of big changes in the life of the UN and the Earth.”

Speaking at size on the problem of the UN reforms and growth of the Security Council, he mentioned that the latter is “paralysed and dysfunctional” in taking crucial choices, which was evident all via the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“Now, one permanent member of the Security Council has committed aggression against its neighbour and annexed part of its neighbour’s territory and the Security Council is not in a position to take any decision since the start of the war because of the veto power in the hands of permanent members of the Security Council,” he mentioned.

To that finish, he talked about a decision that has been handed within the General Assembly which may rein in these ‘veto wielding’ P5 nations who make the most of the opaque system of the UN Security Council and solid votes to dam strikes by different nations.

“We want the 15 nations to represent us, the whole world. It is a responsibility and accountability. A year ago or so, a resolution was adopted in the General Assembly, according to which, if a veto comes to the Security Council, the issue must automatically come to debate in the General Assembly. It means that if the Security Council is blocked, then the debate can come over to the GA. But, it is still a very fresh tool. The membership is still testing how and for what this tool can be used. The next decision will be taken in April. We are at the beginning of the road. It can take the General Assembly very far,” mentioned the UNGA President.

This might be a significant transfer since, based on him, international locations will solid their veto way more cautiously ought to they’ve to elucidate to the world why they solid a veto.

To a particular query about China blocking strikes to designate terrorists, Csaba Korosi mentioned, “The P5 have special powers in order to play a special role in keeping peace and security in the world. The veto was granted in the charter several years ago not in a way to block nations, but in a way to encourage each other to work better and further. Now, it has been turned around and the veto is being used to block admissions.”

Talking about UN reforms, Korosi mentioned, “The bad news is that the reform negotiations have been going on for almost 17 years. The good news is that last September, 73 heads of state and government demanded in their speeches that the Security Council reforms should be given special importance… There is a push, a need and a demand from the membership.”

However, when requested in regards to the intent of P5 members (China, France, Russia, the UK and the US) to truly need UNSC reforms, Korosi mentioned that the primary decision has to return from the General Assembly however 193 international locations are “severely divided” and additional requested if UNGA is prepared to vary positions, compromise to take away the primary hurdle in the direction of it.

During the assembly with Prime Minister Modi, Csaba Korosi lauded India’s transformational initiatives for communities, together with within the space of water useful resource administration and conservation.

“Acknowledging India’s efforts towards Reformed Multilateralism, Mr. Csaba Korosi underscored the importance of India being at the forefront of efforts to reform global institutions,” the Prime Minister’s Office mentioned in a press launch.

The prime minister thanked Mr. Csaba Korosi for making India his first bilateral go to since assuming workplace. He assured Mr. Csaba Korosi of India’s fullest help to his Presidency initiatives throughout the 77th UNGA together with the UN 2023 Water Conference, based on the PMO assertion.

Prime Minister Modi additionally emphasised the significance of reforming the multilateral system, together with the UN Security Council, in order to really mirror up to date geopolitical realities.

Published On:

Jan 31, 2023