RI wants balance representation at UNSC

Indonesia wants reforms in the UN Security Council to reflect a balanced representation of the world's diverse cultures and civilizations rather than just the addition of more members, said Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda on Tuesday.

"Without ensuring balanced representation, the expansion of the Security Council may result in new gaps between developed and developing countries," he said.

Among the most anticipated items on the agenda at the UN's 62nd annual General Assembly that commenced last week is the expansion of the council's membership, both for its permanent and non-permanent members.

The grand expectation for a breakthrough in reforming the Security Council that came during the 2005 UN Summit has lost its momentum and needs a boost, Hassan said.

Simply adding members based on a region would not address the criticisms of the council that suggest it works in favor of its permanent members who possess veto power, he said

"For instance, 1.3 billion people in Islamic countries are not well represented in the Security Council.

"It's about time we have democracy at the international level," he said.

[from:Tony Hotland, The Jakarta Post, New York]