Thank you, Mr President,
Italy aligns itself with the statement earlier delivered by the distinguished representative of Liechtenstein and would like to add some remarks in its national capacity.
Italy welcomes this further opportunity to discuss Resolution 76/262 and its implementation. This discussion is particularly timely given the recent adoption of the Pact for the Future and the commitment contained therein.
Italy was among the cosponsors of Resolution 76/262. We are of the view that the mechanism established by the Resolution contributes to strengthening the UN system and is a good example of effective multilateralism: by convening this Assembly automatically every time a veto is cast, it increases transparency and accountability.
Its activation four times in the last twelve months – with regard to vetoes cast in relation to serious threats to international peace and security such as the issue of non-proliferation, the situation in the Middle East and the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan – confirms its importance. We have also taken note of the way in which the Office of the President of the General Assembly has interpreted its subsidiary nature with respect to the “Uniting for Peace Resolution” mechanism. The latter has not prevented the convening a meeting under operative paragraph 1 of the resolution, if the resumption of an ESS is scheduled beyond the 10-day period provided under the same paragraph. And this maybe can be relevant with regard also to the veto casted earlier today.
Mr. President,
The veto power is “the problem”. While understandable in the specific historical context of 1945, nowadays it blatantly contradicts one of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter: that of sovereign equality of States. In too many occasions it has prevented the Security Council from discharging its vital responsibilities with regard to situations endangering international peace and security, in which the UN could have made a real difference on the ground. Which is why Italy has consistently advocated for a Security Council reform that does not exacerbate further the functional malaises of the Council by adding new permanent members with veto power.
While we do not expect the P5 to renounce to their privilege under the Charter – and their position in this respect is fully guaranteed by the amendment procedure under Article 108 -, we ask and expect them to act responsibly and to provide a full explanation to the whole membership represented in the General Assembly when they cast a veto. Such expectation is largely shared by the UN membership, judging from the consensual adoption of the resolution and by the broad participation in the meetings that have been held so far on its basis.
Similarly, we expect the P5 to recommit to the full adherence to Art. 27.3 of the UN Charter, which provides for the obligation to abstain when action is taken on Security Council draft resolutions that deal with disputes in which they are parties. Had that obligation been adhered to in the past, we would be looking at a much more relevant and effective United Nations with regard to some of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
Mr. President,
The global challenges ahead of us, be it in the field of peace and security, sustainable development, climate action, or human rights and the rule of law, need a strong multilateral response in line with the commitments we have all taken at the highest level through the adoption of the Pact of the Future.
Let us take today’s opportunity to reaffirm our resolve in pursuing an effective, democratic, accountable and inclusive multilateral system, in which effective decision-making is not undermined by the narrow national political agendas of a few.
I thank you.
