DA backs SA's bid for UN seat

2004-09-27 23:02

Cape Town - The Democratic Alliance came out in support on Monday of the government's initiative to secure for South Africa a permanent seat on the United Nations security council.

DA foreign affairs spokesperson Douglas Gibson said: "We believe that in order for the United Nations to strengthen its role in international affairs it needs to transform itself into a more-representative body."

The present structure of the security council was anachronistic and unreflective of power realities.

Developing countries now made up more than two-thirds of the total UN membership, yet remained largely unrepresented on the security council.

Gibson said a permanent seat for South Africa, as well as for other developing countries, such as India and Brazil, would make the UN more representative.

It would give greater legitimacy to its actions, and make it easier for consensus-building and for united action to be taken against global threats.

'Should not expect special treatment'

"There is, however, a need to be realistic. It is highly unlikely that the members of the security council will willingly reduce their substantial influence positions within UN structures.

"Africa should also not expect special treatment either in the form of two permanent seats or one permanent rotating seat to share the burden of representation."

In this context, South Africa appeared to be the most credible African candidate, as it had the requisite international standing and was the leading democracy on the continent.

It also had a reputation for good governance and for upholding human rights.

Critically, it also had the financial resources to fulfil such a role.

South Africa contributed about R16m to the United Nations and an expanded role would only increase the size of its contribution by 1% to 5%.

Gibson said: "As a party, the DA will assist where it can to help to ensure that South Africa is successful in its bid for a permanent seat on the security council.

"The DA maintains friendly relations with many countries and fraternal parties throughout the world, and we will use whatever influence we can to support South Africa's bid."

- SAPA