Statement
by HE Mr. M. Morshed Khan, MP
Hon'ble Foreign Minister of the Government of Bangladesh
For the During Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Ministerial
Meeting on UN Reform at the sideline of Second South
Summit Doha, Qatar.
Salwa
Hall, Sheraton Doha Hotel, 13 June 2005.
Many
speakers before me have elaborated on the issue of
UN Reform. We believe there is ample scope and necessity
to reenergize the Organization through effective reform
reflecting the realities of the 21st century. The
foremost aim is to strengthen multilateralism and
place the United Nations as the central organ for
the cooperative management of the world's problems.
The three recent reports relating to the UN reform
have generated much enthusiasm. We have all been engaged
in the consultations. Many of our views have happily
found convergence in the draft declaration before
us.
I
would like to highlight some points that we consider
important.
1. UN reform proposals are complex and I believe these
should not become time bound.
2.
All efforts must be undertaken to reach broader understanding
leading to consensus. As a facilitator Bangladesh
shall work to promote the process.
3.
While the question of Security Council reform has
generated the most enthusiasm a whole range of issues
including "use of force", " responsibility
to protect", "intervention", "
proliferation vs. disarmament ", definition of
terrorism, requires careful consideration.
4.
The heart of the matter for us is centred on development.
This priority has not always been well reflected.
The MDGs have given it a new lease of life and the
Secretary General's focus in his report is well appreciated.
A core issue is the creation of an international environment
conducive to development whose parameters are well
known, a participatory financial system and long-term
predictable flow of financial resources to developing
countries.
5.
Development and security are inextricably interlinked.
The non-use of force and peaceful settlement of disputes
should be the benchmarks of new collective security
system. Similarly, we need to strengthen a "culture
of peace" among the nations.
6.
Peacekeeping remains a vital cornerstone of UN mandate
and it must be strengthened. The proposal for creation
of a Peace building Commission is a worthwhile innovation.
7.
Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations must
be condemned. The root causes must be addressed in
right earnest. Efforts need to be accelerated towards
conclusion of a comprehensive convention on terrorism
including a definition of terrorism.
8.
Disarmament remains a major concern. New impetus must
be given to both horizontal and vertical nuclear proliferation
with the ultimate aim of total nuclear disarmament.
9.
The consciousness of individual rights has brought
human rights into the forefront of the UN agenda.
We support this fact and feel that UN human rights
machinery must be properly strengthened.
10.
Strengthening the organs of the UN is important so
that they can maximize their capacity. This includes
the UN general Assembly and the ECOSOC. Efforts towards
revitalization of the General Assembly and rationalization
of its agenda must continue.
11.
On Security Council reform we must balance the issue
of expansion with that of effectiveness in carrying
out its mandate. Bangladesh favours an expansion of
the body which would reflect the growth of total membership.
Such expansion should be guided by certain principles
which ultimately aim at enhancing the Council's credibility
and democratic profile through its working methods
and its decision-making processes. Given the complexities
of the issues involved, we feel the need for more
focused efforts in reaching a broad based consensus
through a truly democratic and transparent negotiation
process. On our part, Bangladesh remains committed
to contribute actively to such process.
I
thank you.
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