African group has a unified position, Asia-Pacific group states will search for partners individually

UN Herald editorial interviewed two permanent representatives of different regional and working groups this weekend. Ms. Tonja Avsenik representing the delegation of Ethiopia, which is a member of African group, and Ms. Katarina Mulec representing the delegation of Australia, who is a part of Asia-Pacific group, answered questions about their standing on Security Council reform topic, improvement made on working papers and their possible cooperation with other countries outside their traditional coalitions.

What is your official position towards increasing of number of permanent seats, increasing of number of non-permanent seats and reforming of veto structure?

Ms. Avsenik: Ethiopia stands behind African common position on Security Council reform, believing, that the reform is urgent to create a more representative, transparent and inclusive Security Council and to overcome the current state of underrepresentation of Africa, Asia and Latin America. African common position advocates that Security Council needs to be enlarged in both permanent and non-permanent category to reflect the changing world realities. In the light of our position we believe that new permanent members should be granted the same privileges as current permanent members, including right of veto. Nevertheless, Ethiopia is of opinion that the use of veto should be reserved.

Ms. Mulec: In this General Assembly, Australia will support "compromise enlargement model". We know that there is many different thoughts on the enlargement of the seats, but some sort of compromise will have to be made if we really want to make a change. Australia will support that compromise (unless it is completely against our believes for SC reform). Of course, we would like our region to be represented more, and in this case, we support India to get a permanent seat. 
As far as veto goes, explanation of veto, when used, should be made. We also encourage the P5 not to use veto in cases of genocide, crimes against humanity and grave breaches of international law.

Does Ethiopia accept any other possible outcome that is different from one expressed in African group statements?

Ms. Avsenik: As regards the Security Council reform, African group has a unified position, which Ethiopia will strongly support and follow. It`s time for Africa!

Are you planning to deepen the cooperation with African group or Asia-Pacific group or any other group before the last session? Are you preparing any meetings or even draft resolutions within these forums?

Ms. Avsenik: As has already been published in The UN Herald, last Tuesday African states and G4 met to establish a common position. The common perspective of African Group and G4 is reflected in the working paper addressing the reform of the Security Council. The working paper is prepared, as all of the provisions have been discussed among several states, which have shared their ideas and suggestions. As it has been stressed in our common statement, African Group and G4 are open for proposals in the light of reaching a broad consensus. Let’s keep the content itself a mystery for now, however we can reveal that the final draft will be ambitious and will include some significant changes.

Ms. Mulec: Asia-Pacific group is constantly connected. However, countries in this GA have very different opinions when it comes to SC reform, this is why you shouldn't expect a WP from our region. If any other news, appropriate for general public emerges, we will, of course, let you know. Australia is currently a non-permanent member of SC. We are content with the fact that we have a chance now for our voice to be heard. We will cooperate with those states, whose WP will resemble the most to our views on SC reform.

Luka Kavčič