Statement by Mrs. Le Thi Minh Thoa, Deputy Permanent Representative of Viet Nam to the United Nations at the second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the UNSC

Thank you, Co-Chairs,

Viet Nam appreciates the efforts of the Co-Chairs to facilitate discussion on various aspects of the veto and other clusters as mentioned in the timeline of upcoming IGN meetings.

Our discussion today shall further contribute to a basis upon which we are able to build an acceptable comprehensive solution to Security Council reform.

Take this opportunity, our delegation would like to reiterate Viet Nam's consistent and firm support for efforts to reform the Security Council so as to enable the Council to be more representative, democratic, transparent, accountable, effective and efficient to perform its function as the primary body in maintaining international peace and security, particularly given the growing unprecedented challenges of today. In this connection, we support the requirement for adding Asia Pacific representation to the agenda of the 4th IGN meeting.

Reform of the Security Council is the interest of all Member States.

Therefore, we should promote progressive trends through flexibility, compromise and pragmatism. New and innovative measures are also needed for consensus-building so that the objectives that we have collectively set to reform the Council will be realized.

Turning to the question of the veto, we are fully aware that discussions on the issue are complex and multifaceted.

We shared the view that measures should be taken to restrain the application of that power.

The use of the veto should be limitted to only measures under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. It should be used as an interim step until it is finally eliminated.

While our deliberation is going on, we can together create a foundation for peace and security across the globe, by adhering to the principles of the UN Charter and international law, including respect for the principles of national sovereignty, peaceful settlement of conflicts and disputes, and non - interference in the internal affairs of states.

In closing, let me reiterate our thanks to Co-Chairs for their extensive efforts.

Please be assured of our full support for the work of co-chairs and we stand ready for constructive dialogue with all Member States to find out the best way to reform the Council.

I thank you./.