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Paper 'clarifies position' on UN reform
Experts yesterday hailed China's UN reform position paper, released on Tuesday, saying it has helped further debate on UN development and UN Security Council reform. China issued its first paper detailing its position on the issue. The paper reiterates the country's opposition to a rushed vote on UN reform and stresses the need for developing countries to be at the forefront of UN policy. Issues of development, security, human rights and democracy and the strengthening of the United Nations have also been addressed. "Security Council reform by any means is merely a small part of the UN reform," said Chen Xiangyang, an expert with the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations. China's paper is an attempt to bring UN reform back onto the right track, he said. China said UN reform should reach a broad consensus on the basis of thorough consultation. According to the paper, a rushed vote now, when UN member states have yet to reach a consensus on the reform scheme, would jeopardize solidarity and damage the interests of developing countries. In May, the Group of Four -- Japan, Brazil, India and Germany -- circulated a draft resolution calling for the number of permanent seats in the Security Council to be increased to six. "The UN reform is now at a critical moment where members have not yet reached extensive consensus. Under such circumstances, China's stance in the paper shows it is taking a responsible line for the world body's future," said Shen Jiru, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. UN reform is not only concerned with Security Council enlargement, but also its efficiency and authority. Issues such as development, poverty and other challenges should be taken into account, Shen said. "The paper can be viewed as a guideline." China suggests that reform proceed gradually. It should begin by tackling more manageable problems first before moving on to thornier ones. For important issues where division still exists, prudence, continued consultations and consensus-building are called for. It is improper to set a time limit or force a decision, according to the paper. "The reform is not a simple process, it needs democratic consultation and broad consensus," Shen said. On the hot topic of Security Council reform, China called for increased representation of developing countries, which account for more than two-thirds of UN members. Countries, small and medium-sized ones in particular, should be given more opportunities to enter the council on a rotating basis. "China gave opinions of fairness, which developing countries are eager to hear," said Chen Xiangyang. China also suggests in the paper that before heading for all-out reform, regional groups should first reach agreement on proposals concerning their respective areas. "In East Asia, Japan failed to win trust from neighbouring countries owing to its attitude towards history. So if Japan wants to play a bigger role in the UN, consensus should be first reached in the region," said Chen. Chen said the paper corresponds with the draft outcome presented by the president of the UN General Assembly, Jean Ping, on June 3. The draft increased the emphasis on development rather than Security Council reform. |
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