Statement by H.E. Ambassador OH Joon
Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations
Plenary of the General Assembly
Item 29 : Report of the Security Council
Item 123 : Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Related Matters

7 November 2013
New York

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Mr. President,

I would like to express appreciation to the President of the General Assembly, Ambassador John Ashe, for convening this meeting. I also thank Ambassador Liu Jieyi of China for presenting the Annual Report of the Security Council on behalf of the Council.

(On the Security Council Annual Report)

During the reporting period, the Council’s daily efforts to fulfill its mandate of maintaining peace and security covered virtually all regions of the world. African issues remained at the forefront, representing over sixty percent of the Council's work. The Council’s vigorous engagement was essential in bringing positive developments in countries such as DRC, Mali and Somalia.

Peacekeeping operations, in most cases, proved to be effective in advancing peace and security in Africa. The Council has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing stability in DRC, by authorizing the deployment of an Intervention Brigade within MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC) through Resolution 2098 (2013).

In Mali, the adoption of Resolution 2100 (2013), which established MINUSMA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali), represented a significant step in improving the security situation and accelerating the political process.
 
On Somalia, we value the establishment of UNSOM (United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia) through Resolution 2102 (2013) with a mandate to support the peace and reconciliation efforts of the Government of Somalia.

Such achievements would not have been possible without the Council’s constructive engagement with regional and sub-regional organizations, such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). While the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, regional organizations’ efforts to take ownership and resolve their own issues should be strongly supported. The continued engagement of the AU Peace and Security Council on the pending issues between the Sudan and South Sudan is a case that underlines this point.

Among the work of the Council in other regions, the completion of UNMIT’s (United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste) mandate last year is a testament to what the international community can achieve by working together, as well as being the model of a successful exit strategy.

Mr. President,

Notwithstanding the progress made, the situation in Syria continues to be the biggest challenge facing the Council. Too much bloodshed has occurred and we are deeply concerned about the continued violations of human rights and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation in Syria. The Security Council was only recently able to adopt Resolution 2118 (2013) on chemical weapons and the PRST (2 October 2013) on the humanitarian situation.

While their full implementation is a vital requirement, a political settlement should end this crisis without further delay. We urge that the Geneva II meeting be held as soon as possible.

Another continuing issue for the Security Council is the process to achieve peace between Israel and Palestine. The Republic of Korea supports the two-State solution, a vision in which both the Israeli and Palestinian people live side by side in peace and security. We hope that the two sides remain firmly committed and reach an agreement within the agreed time frame.

Mr. President,

Turning to the area of non-proliferation, the Council has taken robust action against the DPRK’s launch using ballistic missile technology in December 2012 and its third nuclear test in February of this year. Resolutions 2087 (2013) and 2094 (2013) strongly condemned these actions as violations of the Council’s relevant resolutions, and further strengthened the sanctions regime on North Korea. The adoption of these resolutions has reaffirmed the Council’s credibility and authority in preserving international peace and security and upholding the value of non-proliferation. The work of the 1718 Sanctions Committee has been instrumental in this regard.
 
Among other thematic issues, important progress has been made in advancing the agenda of the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict. The Republic of Korea, as the Council President for the month of February, convened a high-level open debate on this issue where the Council rightly reaffirmed that protecting civilians is a fundamental responsibility of the Security Council. The adoption of a relevant Presidential Statement underlined the Council’s commitment to counter impunity and ensure effective implementation of protection mandates by peacekeeping missions. Continuing high civilian casualties in many conflict situations clearly demonstrate that the protection of civilians, particularly women and children, should remain a priority in the work of the Council.

(On Working Methods of the Security Council)

Mr. President,

Improving the working methods of the Security Council is an important component to bolster the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Council’s work. During the reporting period, the Council has undertaken efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency as well as strengthen interaction with the wider UN membership.

Encouraging developments include the holding of wrap-up sessions and briefings by the Presidencies; the use of formats such as informal interactive dialogues; and the convening of meetings with troop and police contributing countries on a more regular basis.

We are pleased to note that the Security Council Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions has advanced transparency in the Council's work through the adoption of Presidential Notes S/2013/515 and S/2013/630.

(On Security Council reform)

Mr. President,

The Republic of Korea believes that in pursuing a reform of the Council, we should above all strive to strengthen the democratic underpinning of the Council to enhance its accountability to the general membership. In this connection, we are of the view that the only plausible way to bring about a more representative, democratic and effective Security Council is through the holding of periodic elections.

We thank the President of the General Assembly for his letter dated October 22, 2013, which conveyed his intention to continue Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform at the 68th Session of the General Assembly. We remain convinced that Security Council reform should be firmly based on a membership-driven and comprehensive approach, as stipulated in General Assembly Decision 62/557 (2008). In line with this, the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) is the only forum for reaching an agreement on this issue, which is of critical importance for the future of the United Nations.

The Republic of Korea, as a current non-permanent member of the Security Council, will continue its efforts to realize a more accountable and efficient Council.

Thank you. /End/