GCC calls for strengthening General Assembly's role in discussing veto use

Strengthening the General Assembly's role

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have emphasized the importance of strengthening the role of the United Nations General Assembly in discussing the use of the veto, and consolidating the principles of transparency and accountability, in order to support efforts to reform the Security Council and enhance its capacity to maintain international peace and security.

The Bahrain News Agency reported that this was stated in a statement delivered by Jamal Al-Fares Al-Ruwaili, Bahrain's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, on behalf of the GCC countries, during a General Assembly session dedicated to discussing the use of the veto, as part of the proceedings of its 81st session.

Previous resolutions and regional challenges

The statement noted that the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 76/262 in 2022 constituted an important step towards enhancing its role in discussing the use of the veto. The statement considered that Iranian attacks targeting GCC countries represent a challenge to the resolutions of the international community and the principles of the UN Charter, calling for a firm and responsible international stance to prevent these attacks.

The statement also pointed out that the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2817 reflects the importance of the Council fulfilling its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security. It highlighted that the failure to adopt a draft resolution concerning the security of waterways and freedom of international navigation, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, due to the use of the veto, confirms the importance of enhancing dialogue and bridging differences between states.

Reform negotiations

Intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform are continuing at the United Nations, including the issue of fair representation and increasing the number of members, with the aim of reaching a formula that enjoys the widest possible political acceptance among member states.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)