57th SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMLY

57th SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

27th PLENARY MEETING

STATEMENT

BY H.E.MR.SRGJAN KERIM,PhD

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF

MACEDONIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

ON THE

REPORT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL

(A/57/2 AND A/57/2/CORR.1);QUESTION OF EQUITABLE

REPRESENTATION ON AND INCREASE IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE

SECURITY COUNCIL AND RELATED MATTERS

Mr. President,

In light of current circumstances, our discussion on the Report of the Security Council (SC) for the period June 2001 to July 2002, presents a unique task. As we review its Report, the SC is confronted with an issue which requires effective action that is in full compliance with the principles of the UN Charter.

As Secretary General (SG) Annan rightly pointed out in his address to the General Assembly (GA)on September 12, the SC must face for the sake of world order its responsibilities in continuing the efforts to obtain Iraq’s compliance with the Council’s resolutions. Eventually, making the SC relevant to the critical issues of the day is the most appropriate way to elevate its significance, stature and authority.

We are looking forward to an open SC debate on the situation in Iraq, which is scheduled for later this week, on the initiative of the Non-Aligned Movement .No doubt such a debate is necessary and useful. However for the sake of strengthening the authority of the UN and acting in the spirit of multilateralism the Republic of Macedonia finds it appropriate to adopt a SC resolution on Iraq with a strong and clear signal.

Mr. President,

From our point of view the SC has submitted a concise and sound report. In addition to this general assessment ,allow me to make a few comments on some of the issues contained and elaborated in the Report.

1.We have noted with satisfaction improvements in the working methods of Council, particularly an increasing degree of transparency. We also welcome the periodic wrap-up sessions of the SC as well as the practice by some non-permanent members in providing regular briefing to non-member states on issues of crucial importance.

2.We commend the prompt and unanimous reaction of the SC concerning the events and aftermath of September 11,2001. Fighting international terrorism must remain at the top of the agenda of the UN and especially the SC.In this regard, we have a high appreciation for the activities of the Counter-Terrorism Committee, under the chairmanship of Ambassador Greenstock of the UK, and its essential contribution in the follow-up of Resolution 1373 (2001).

3.We wish the SC would assume responsibilities in other situations which have occurred within this Report. Situations where the world has been confronted by nuclear threats of member states involved in disputes which are apparently of a bilateral or regional character but have the potential consequences of a global impact.

4.We fully concur with the assessments contained in the Report on the Balkans. Within this context we would like to stress the considerable contribution of the SC and SG in making progress in the crisis management of this region. Together with the European Union,NATO and the OSCE, the UN has managed to preserve peace and stability in the region.However,ethnic strife, organized crime and small arms collection remain very important tasks to be dealt with.

5.In dealing with issues related to peace in the region and the stability of my country, the Republic of Macedonia, the SC has acted in a considerate and cooperative manner. In this respect we would like to mention the adoption of Resolution 1371 (2001). This is an excellent example of a quick. measured and effective response of the SC to events and developments which were of concern, not only for my country, but also for its immediate neighbors and the entire region .

6.Full engagement of the UN in Kosovo is of crucial importance in maintaining peace and stability in the region of South-Eastern Europe. For this reason acting in full compliance with SC resolutions 1160 ( 1998),1199(1998),1203(1999), 1244(1999) and 1345(2001) is necessary. The benchmarks set up by the Special Representative of the SG, implying standards before status, are in full accordance with this.

7.It is our deep conviction that the SC should support the International Criminal Court unconditionally , ensuring that essential principles of international law are not compromised. We fully support within this context every effort made by the International Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia to ensure that all indicted war criminals are brought to justice without further delay.

8.Conflict prevention and humanitarian issues belong to the areas where the SC has managed to make remarkable progress. In adopting Resolution 1366(2001) on conflict prevention, the SC has expressed its full commitment to the further implementation in the whole UN system of the Brahimi report and the SG’s report on conflict prevention. The work carried out by the SC and SG in developing a policy framework for the protection of civilians in armed conflicts deserves our full support. It represents a substantial contribution in setting up of a coherent approach by the UN for the protection of civilian populations during armed conflicts.

Mr. President,

This discussion of the Report of the SC also presents an opportunity to reflect on the UN as a whole. In making the UN a strong multilateral institution in the era of globalization we must make sure that it is enjoying credibility in all corners of the globe. The SC has to play a key role in this respect.

Strengthening of the UN system is one of the highest ranking issues on our common agenda. This also implies a reform of the SC.On the other hand, one must continue to be aware of the authority of decision making which is derived from the capacity to take prompt and realistically founded decisions and actions. In our opinion the latest report of the SC contains certain elements which live up to these expectations.

However, our final goal must remain to make the UN a more meaningful, more powerful and more effective organization. In order to do so every one of must be aware that this is not a situation where one can afford to behave like an ostrich with its head in the sand.

Thank You.