Security Council

Welcoming the 50th Anniversary of the United Nations, I have seen that much progress has been made by this world body in handling and solving conflicts in the world, but I also have witnessed its failures in handling some problems, for example, the Balkan crises.

One weakness of the UN in keeping a "balance" is the Security Council, which is virtually ruled by countries having the right to veto.

Personally, I would like to adopt the non-aligned countries' declaration which calls for reformation of the UN Security Council membership -- at present it has five permanent members possessing veto rights and 10 non-permanent members.

I agree with the initiative taken by NAM during its 10th summit meeting in Jakarta in 1992 to restructure the Security Council membership. First, the role of the developing countries in all fields are increasingly important. The big countries in the United Nations cannot ignore this fact.

Second, the era of globalization has brought about changes in the role of developing countries. Technology is being transferred from the developed to developing countries. On the other hand, the natural resources found in the developing countries should be considered as a bargaining factor in seeking more important roles in international politics and economics.

AMAR MA'RUF

Jakarta