Addis Ababa: The African position on the reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is clear, advocating for two permanent members with full rights, duties and responsibilities, Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie told ENA. President Taye further added that Africa is also pushing for five non-permanent memberships in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the President has held separate talks with UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres and the UN General Assembly (UNGA) President, Philemon Yang. Following the discussion, the President said he had a very fruitful and productive discussion with the two top officials of the UN.
In his meeting with Guterres, President Taye said, ‘We thoroughly discussed issues of regional importance, as well as on matters that are of concern to the global political landscape. And we covered every issue of concern.’ According to the President, more emphasis was given to regional issues during the discussion that are of concern, not only to the United Nations, but also to our country. ‘So we reached an understanding that we should continue the discussion that we have had in the past as well as yesterday,’ he stated.
Similarly, President Taye Atske Selassie, in the early hours of this morning, held discussions with the President of UN General Assembly (UNGA), Philemon Yang. Approached by ENA, Taye stated that the discussion focused mainly on the mandate of the UN General Assembly, and particularly pretty much on the UN Security Council reform initiative that has been on the table for many years.
The President acknowledged the United Nations has been interested to look into new and fresh ideas on how best the African continent could be represented within the UN Security Council. He also praised some very interesting initiatives that are coming from other countries, particularly from the United States last year, adding that will give it more impetus and generate more discussion.
However, the President said: ‘Africa’s position is clear when it comes to UN Security Council reform, we need two permanent members with full rights and duties and responsibilities. That means with veto.’ The discussion with the UN General Assembly also covered regional and international issues, the challenge that multilateralism is facing right now, President Taye revealed.