A/75/PV.84 General Assembly

In the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations (resolution 75/1), Member States committed to instil new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council. As the President of the General Assembly, I therefore focused my efforts on ensuring that the necessary conditions for the proper functioning of the intergovernmental negotiations were in place despite pandemic-related limitations. With that perspective in mind, I announced the appointment of co-Chairs on 30 October 2020, much earlier than such appointments were announced in previous sessions, in order to provide Member States the opportunity to start their consultations in a timely manner. I also encouraged delegations to explore the possibility of starting the intergovernmental negotiations early in 2021 and to increase the number of meetings to be held during this session. My objective was to provide the intergovernmental negotiations sufficient time to advance the dialogue and compensate for the reduction of meetings in the seventy-fourth session due to the coronavirus disease pandemic. The co-Chairs, Ambassadors Al-Thani and Wronecka, have ably led the process during this session and presented the elements paper on convergences and divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters, which I circulated to Member States on 12 May. My Office and I have been in constant dialogue with all delegation and groups throughout the year. Following another intensive round of consultations with all major groups, a draft rollover decision was circulated on 11 June in order to continue the intergovernmental negotiations in the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly. Considering that this is a technical rollover, the draft decision and timing are consistent with rollover decisions from previous sessions. Two groups of countries subsequently submitted proposed amendments, which have also been circulated to Member States. I convened the General Assembly on 16 June to consider this agenda item. More than 35 delegations took the floor on behalf of various groups and countries. It was one of the liveliest debates of the seventy-fifth session, at which Member States expressed a range of positions. After carefully listening to all delegations, it appeared to me that more time was needed to consider certain issues and for further consultation among Member States. I therefore suspended the consideration of this agenda item until today. The General Assembly is the only competent organ to take a decision on this issue. Rollover decisions have always been adopted by consensus in previous years. It is my hope that the Member States will find consensus on the issues raised in the General Assembly on 16 June so that this year’s draft rollover decision can also be adopted without a vote, as in previous years. Before proceeding further, I see that the Permanent Representative of Qatar, who is also the co-Chair of the intergovernmental negotiations process, is asking for the floor.

Let me begin by saying that it has been a great honour and privilege to serve as co-Chair  — together with Ambassador Joanna Wronecka, former Permanent Representative of Poland to the United Nations  — of the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform during this seventy-fifth session. I would like to refer to the letter of 12 May, in which Ambassador Wronecka and I, in our capacity as co-Chairs of the intergovernmental negotiations process during this session, recommended the rollover of the work of the intergovernmental negotiations to the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly based on the “Co-Chairs’ elements paper on convergences and divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters”. Based upon our recommendation, on 11 June, the President presented to the Member States a draft oral decision that seeks to roll over the work of the intergovernmental negotiations to the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly. With regard to the discussion to date on the draft oral decision, in order for us to reach consensus to move this process forward to the next session of the General Assembly, I would like to make the following proposal for the consideration of the Assembly — to include, at the end of the first paragraph of the draft oral decision, “and the commitment of Heads of State and Government representing the peoples of the world to instil new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council”. Paragraph 1 of the draft oral decision would then read as follows: “Decides to reaffirm the central role of the General Assembly concerning the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council and the commitment of Heads of State and Government representing the peoples of the world to instil new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council”. I hope this proposed amendment to the draft oral decision is agreeable to the membership of the General Assembly. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, Mr. President, for your leadership and for entrusting Ambassador Wronecka and myself with this important task. I would also like to express my appreciation to Member States for the rich and active engagement that helped us deliver the co-Chairs’ elements paper, the outcome of this process.

I thank the Permanent Representative of Qatar for her statement and her reflections on the draft oral decision, as well as her proposed amendment thereto. I would like to hear from the proposer of the oral amendment, the Permanent Representative of Brazil, who will speak on behalf of the Group of Four. I would like to hear his views on the statement of the Permanent Representative of Qatar that we have just heard.

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of Four (G-4) — Germany, India, Japan and my own country, Brazil — in order to say a few words to explain our position after hearing the statement of Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani. First of all, allow us to express our sincere gratitude for the valuable work of Ambassador Al-Thani in facilitating the consultations with Member States with a view to finding an acceptable text for the draft oral decision that we are considering today. In those consultations, she showed the same skills that allowed her to successfully lead the negotiations on the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations (resolution 75/1) and the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform held this year. I thank Ambassador Al-Thani for all her efforts. The G-4 is willing to accept the proposal made by Ambassador Al-Thani to incorporate into the draft oral decision the reference to the commitment of Heads of State and Government representing the peoples of the world to instil new life in Security Council reform. That would give us confidence that there is wide agreement among Member States on at least one point — that we must heed this important call recently made by our leaders in the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations. We also fully agree with you, Mr. President, that the plenary meeting held on Wednesday (A/75/PV.80) was — as you said in your letter dated 17 June 2021: “one of the liveliest debates of the seventy-fifth session, where Member States expressed a range of positions”. Last week, Member States were given the opportunity to present their different views on how the intergovernmental negotiations should go forward. That meeting and the discussion we are having today remind us that the true essence of the United Nations is the possibility of freely expressing divergences so that solutions can be found through dialogue and confidence-building. We are also grateful that the amendment we proposed in our letter dated 14 June 2021 could be considered by Member States in an open and transparent setting. That itself was an achievement since it allowed our views and the perspectives of other Member States to go on record, which would not have happened had the discussion taken place within the intergovernmental negotiations. Indeed, the debate has helped us to more fully capture the positions of Member States — much more so than in the repetitive discussions at the intergovernmental negotiations. It has also demonstrated the need to better reflect in our work the Common African Position, as enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which the G-4 fully supports. Allow me to underscore that in our view, the rollover of the intergovernmental negotiations never was and never should have been considered a technical rollover, since that understanding would undermine our capacity to improve and streamline the process in the light of the work done at the previous session. Technical rollovers are also a very negative sign to the people we represent, implying that no new substantive work was done in the previous session, which is not the case for the agenda item we are considering today. It would also not do justice to the considerable efforts undertaken by the two co-Chairs. Security Council reform is a key issue for all Member States and any matters related to this topic must be carefully and thoroughly considered. Divergent views will come into play, but they are an inherent part of the discussions held on a day-to-day basis in the General Assembly. Security Council reform is no exception. In presenting our amendment, we never intended to win or to lose but to sit down and negotiate. Dialogue and the willingness to cooperate are always the most adequate way to find acceptable solutions. We hope that all Member States can agree to adopt the draft oral decision, as orally amended by Ambassador Al-Thani, with a reference to the commitment to instil new life into Security Council reform. If that happens, we also hope that during the seventy-sixth session we will deliver on those words of our Heads of State and Government and finally make the intergovernmental negotiations an effective and results-oriented process. We assure all Member States of our commitment to continue working together with them in order to achieve an early reform of the Security Council.

In order for me to understand if there is consensus behind the proposal made by the representative of Qatar, I would like to give the floor to several delegations, starting with the representative of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, who will speak on behalf of the L.69 group.

I thank you, Mr. President, for allowing me to take the floor once more on behalf of the L.69 group, a diverse pro-reform group of developing countries in favour of justice, sovereignty and equity in the reform of the Security Council — both in process and outcome. We are pleased that delegations were able to work together to arrive at a compromise. I wish to commend Ambassador Al-Thani for her leadership and outstanding work in facilitating an acceptable outcome for all involved. As we indicated in our statement of 16 June 2021 (see A/75/PV.80), we believe that the call made by the world leaders at the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, through the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations (resolution 75/1), to instil new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council, which has been integral in guiding our work, is worthy of inclusion in the draft oral decision. For us, instilling new life means taking action to position the process in a way that allows for tangible progress towards our end goal. For that reason, we support the oral amendment proposed to the draft oral decision. Although we believe that the proposed amendment would be useful in helping to set the stage for the seventy-sixth session, we have listened to the various opinions expressed and understand that is not the case for others. We appreciate the flexibility shown by the Group of Four in that regard. The L.69 group therefore offers our support for the draft oral decision as amended, in the proposal presented by Ambassador Al-Thani, to include a reference to the commitment of Heads of State and Government representing the peoples of the world to instil new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council. We will continue our advocacy for the Common African Position — as set out in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration  — to be properly reflected in the co-Chairs’ elements paper on convergences and divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters. We hope that call will be taken on board at the next intergovernmental negotiations session. We look forward to the opportunity to further fine-tune the co-Chairs’ elements paper in order to better reflect the full position of all Member States and capture the reality of the discussions. The draft rollover decision is an important step in ensuring that we can have a more accountable and results-oriented process. We believe the engagement of this session has helped us come closer to an understanding of what is needed for us to progress to the next step. This is a process driven by the Member States and it is necessary that the Member States be able to engage in open dialogue and determine the best way to shape the various aspects of the process. In conclusion, the L.69 group reiterates our commitment to the achievement of Security Council reform and to continue to work constructively with all Member States for concrete progress.

I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the Group of Arab States. It is my pleasure to begin my statement by expressing the sincere appreciation and support of the Arab Group for you, Mr. President, as well as for the co-Chairs, Ambassador Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar, and Ambassador Wronecka, Permanent Representative of Poland, for their efforts to lead the intergovernmental negotiation process effectively during the current session. We also appreciate your efforts, Sir, to reach a compromise acceptable to all on the draft oral decision in order to advance negotiations on the desired comprehensive reform of the Security Council. In that regard, I would like to reiterate the support of the Arab Group for the adoption of the draft oral decision, as amended by the proposal of Ambassador Al-Thani, in order to ensure a smooth transition that allows Member States to continue to work together at the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly and reach a common understanding leading to a compromise on a genuine and comprehensive reform of the Security Council. The position of the Arab Group is based on committing to the intergovernmental negotiations process as the only forum in which to reach an agreement on enlarging and reforming the Security Council pursuant to decision 62/557, which calls, inter alia, for reaching a compromise that enjoys the broadest possible political acceptance among Member States. In conclusion, the Arab Group reiterates its determination to participate positively and effectively in the next round of intergovernmental negotiations at the seventy-sixth session with a view to realizing genuine and comprehensive Security Council reform. We also emphasize the importance of the general membership demonstrating cooperation and flexibility in order to achieve consensus among Member States. We once again thank you, Mr. President, and we thank the co-Chairs for their valuable leadership and efforts in managing our discussions at the current session.

I have the honour to take the floor once again on behalf of the member States of the African Union. At the outset, let me begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for convening yet another plenary meeting of the General Assembly dedicated to adopting a draft oral decision on Security Council reform. I would like to reiterate Africa’s strong commitment to advance the important issue of reforming the Security Council in order to for it to better reflect the current geopolitical realities, including correcting the acknowledged injustice that Africa continues to suffer. We therefore remain steadfastly devoted to a comprehensive and meaningful reform of the Security Council. In that regard, we commend the stewardship and dedication of the co-Chairs  — Ambassadors Joanna Wronecka and Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani  — in facilitating the reform process and we thank them for providing us with the elements paper on convergences and divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters. We wish to reiterate our sincere gratitude to the co-Chairs for reflecting  — in the section on the elements of general convergence and divergence of their elements paper — the wide recognition and broad support of Member States with regard to the legitimate aspiration for Africa to play its rightful role on the global stage, including through an increased presence in the Security Council as reflected in the Ezulwini Consensus, adopted by the African Union. We also thank the co-Chairs for accurately reflecting the view that redressing the historical injustice against Africa is considered a priority. At this point, we would also like to register our profound thanks and appreciation to you, Mr. President, for the wide consultations that you have engaged in. We reaffirm that the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration are fundamental pillars of the Common African Position and the decisions reached by the African Heads of State and Government, representing the voice of the African people. These decisions champion our common aspirations for the full representation of Africa in all decision-making organs of the United Nations  — particularly the Security Council, which is the principal decision-making organ on matters relating to international peace and security. The Group of African States looks forward to building on the gains made during the seventy- fifth session of the intergovernmental negotiations; constructively engaging with all Member States and interest groups; having comprehensive discussions on the co-Chairs’ elements paper with a view to building on convergences and reducing divergences; and ensuring that the full tenor of the discussions of the intergovernmental negotiations at the seventy- fifth session and the next session is reflected in the co-Chairs’ elements paper going forward. We acknowledge with appreciation that the co-Chairs indicated in their paper the broad support of a significant number of Member States for expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories of the Security Council. We would also like to reiterate that one issue that enjoys the widest possible consensus of from the intergovernmental negotiations process is that Africa should be represented in the permanent category, especially since the African region is not represented in that category. the underrepresentation of the African region in the non-permanent category must also be addressed. Africa will therefore continue to underline the need for an expansion in both the current permanent and non-permanent categories of the Council in order to make the Council more broadly representative, efficient and transparent — thereby enhancing its effectiveness and legitimacy in implementing its decisions. Let me also seize this opportunity to commend you, Mr. President, for indicating in the draft oral decision that the positions and proposals of Member States, as reflected in the framework document and its annex circulated by the President of the sixty-ninth session of the General Assembly, as well as the co-Chairs’ elements paper on convergences and divergences, be rolled over to the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly. The African Group remains committed to a comprehensive reform of the Security Council, on the basis of all five clusters outlined in decision 62/557, and we will continue to engage in the intergovernmental negotiations process in order to build a consensus that is in accordance with decision 62/557 and favourable to the Common African Position as enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. We hope that the document rollover to the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly will be built upon in good faith and in a transparent manner through a membership-driven process. At this juncture, we would like to express our gratitude to all Member States and interest groups that have continued to unequivocally support the Common African Position, as espoused in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. We look forward to working with one and all to collectively and cooperatively build on the gains made in favour of the Common African Position and we hope that Member States and interest groups will join in support of redressing the historical injustice done to the African continent and its people. We urge one and all to join us in operationalizing our just cause for Africa to be equitably represented in the Security Council, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. Let me end by acknowledging with deep appreciation the efforts of all Member States for our collective commitment to an inclusive and transparent process, leading to a draft rollover decision to be adopted by consensus. The African Union Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council and the Group of African States have joined the consensus in the spirit of safeguarding unity and mutual trust among the membership and to move forward the reform of the Security Council, in conformity with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as the intention of the 2005 World Summit Outcome (resolution 60/1) and the principles outlined in decision 62/557. We look forward to moving this process in the right direction. We are here today to listen and make sure that we make concrete progress and adopt the draft rollover decision.

We listened attentively to the statements made today. First of all, on behalf of Uniting for Consensus (UFC), we would like to express our appreciation for the initiative of Ambassador Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar. We recognize her strong dedication to the intergovernmental negotiations process and commend her efforts to restore a consensual approach. As I recalled in my intervention on Wednesday (see A/75/PV.80), Uniting for Consensus has always been a responsible and constructive actor, constantly open to dialogue and inclusivity. We have always favoured and actively contributed to a consensus-based methodology, as we are firmly convinced that is the most appropriate and effective way to advance on such a complex and important issue as the reform of the Security Council. In line with that consolidated spirit, we will avoid engaging on this occasion in any difference of opinion. In order to overcome altogether the situation in which we find ourselves, we will limit ourselves to saying that we are ready, in the overall interest of the process, to support the proposal of the Permanent Representative of Qatar. We are ready to support you, Mr. President, should you wish to have such a proposal reflected in the new version of your own draft oral decision to be submitted to the General Assembly. We look forward to resuming the discussions on the reform of the Security Council in the context of the intergovernmental negotiations at the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly. Rest assured that the UFC group will continue to be a positive, constructive and fully engaged actor.

I see that there is consensus among the groups with regard to the proposal made by the representative of Qatar. I would also like to say that I am pleased to see in the intergovernmental negotiations process this year the wide recognition and broad support of States Members for the legitimate call by African countries for the historical injustice done to the continent to be corrected. In that regard, I refer to the Common African Position as presented by the representative of Eritrea on behalf of the Group of African States (see A/75/PV.80), which reflects the decisions of African Heads of State and Government on the reform of the Security Council. Before we proceed to take action on the draft oral decision and the proposed oral amendment thereto, we will first hear the remaining speakers in explanation of vote before the voting. In that regard, may I remind delegations that statements in explanation of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

I would like to thank the Permanent Representative of Qatar, Ambassador Alya Al-Thani, for her dedicated efforts as the co-Chair of the intergovernmental negotiations process. We fully support the way forward that she just outlined. It is important that the draft oral decision presented to us for the rollover of the intergovernmental negotiations to the seventy-sixth session be adopted by consensus. On an issue such significance for the entire membership, the consensus of the General Assembly is a must. In order to achieve that, we all need to be constructive, forward-looking and consensus-seeking. To that end, we greatly appreciate the intensive efforts that have been carried out since our previous meeting (see A/75/PV.80). That has showed us once again that we can indeed find convergences around issues that unite us. It is only with the spirit of consensus-seeking as our modus operandi that the reform of the Security Council can move forward. We should not forget that. By accepting the proposal by Ambassador Al-Thani today, we agree to amend the rollover draft oral decision by adding a reference to the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations (resolution A/75/1), adopted by consensus by our Heads of State and Government. That is what underlines the importance of consensus solutions once again. Lastly, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for the leadership that you have shown throughout the process. Your wisdom and openness to dialogue led the way to today’s successful outcome. We will continue to actively engage with the membership at the next session of the General Assembly to further forge consensus on issues that unite us. We firmly believe in the virtue of the membership-driven nature of the reform process within the intergovernmental negotiations. We invite all Member States to support the draft oral decision as amended by the proposal of the co-Chair.

At the outset, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the co-Chair of the intergovernmental negotiations  — the Permanent Representative of Qatar, Ambassador Al-Thani — and you, Sir, for your efforts and commitment to preserving the consensus on the draft oral decision to roll over discussions on the reform of the Security Council to the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly, in accordance with established practice. Morocco views the reform of the Security Council as part of the United Nations comprehensive reform aimed at revitalizing the Organization, strengthening its role and increasing confidence in multilateralism in order to surmount the challenges of the twenty-first century. That is why we are firmly committed to the intergovernmental negotiations as the legitimate and appropriate platform for discussing reform, redressing the injustice done to Africa and delivering a more representative Security Council that takes into account the current realities of the world and lives up to our peoples’ expectations for ensuring peace and security, the pacific settlement of disputes and upholding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. We therefore welcome the spirit of compromise and flexibility that has prevailed and has been demonstrated by groups and delegations present today in order to safeguard this process and pursue negotiations on this subject at the next session of the General Assembly. Rest assured of the commitment and constructive contribution of Morocco in the framework of the African Common Position and the position of the Group of Arab States.

I would like to add my delegation’s voice of support to the proposal presented by the Permanent Representative of Qatar and co-Chair of the intergovernmental negotiations, Ambassador Alya Al-Thani. I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Ambassador Al-Thani for her extremely constructive and fruitful efforts in facilitating consultations among Member States in order to find an acceptable text for the draft oral decision before us today. By agreeing to include in the draft rollover decision our leaders’ promise to instil new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council, we are reaffirming once again that what we are engaged in the intergovernmental negotiations is not simply a series of academic debates. Our mandate is to deliver on Security Council reform, not just to discuss it at infinitum. We are pleased that the proposal by Qatar is able to bring that important aspect into the draft oral decision on the rollover. As we have stressed over the past few months, we view the draft oral decision on the rollover of the intergovernmental negotiations not as a technical formality but as an important means to capture the progress made during previous sessions and to give direction for the way forward. We have engaged in wide-ranging consultations with Member States and groupings over the past few days in order to arrive at a suitable outcome today. In all our engagements, we found that there is an overwhelming desire to move forward in the next round of intergovernmental negotiations in a focused and substantive manner. In that context, we appreciate the efforts of the co-Chairs in presenting their elements paper on convergences and divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters, which includes an improved structure and the introduction of some attributions. That gives us a useful basis on which to commence our discussion at the next session. We express once again our support for the Common African Position  — as enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration  — being fully elaborated in the convergence section of the elements paper so as to accurately reflect the views of the membership. We will continue to support its accurate depiction at the next session. I have said on several previous occasions that the intergovernmental negotiations can no longer be used as a smokescreen Today, with the adoption of the amended draft oral decision on the rollover, we will move ahead to the next session with the hope that we will finally be able to come together to make decisive progress towards the long-overdue reform of the Security Council.

I take the floor on behalf of the Group of Nordic Countries  — Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and my own country, Denmark. At the outset, let me say that we may not be big countries. We may not even be a major group in the eyes of many, but we would nevertheless like our views and considerations to be heard. Let me begin by expressing our sincere gratitude to Ambassadors Wronecka of Poland and Al-Thani of Qatar for co-chairing this year’s session of intergovernmental negotiations on the reform of the Security Council and by thanking Ambassador Al-Thani for her efforts here over the past couple of days to lead consultations among Member States and groups to try to find a way towards consensus. This year’s intergovernmental negotiations process is being convened following the strong emphasis of the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy- fifth Anniversary of the United Nations (resolution 75/1) on the need to usher in and consolidate reforms of the United Nations system. They should not be empty words. Let us not forget that the recent reform of the United Nations development system made the United Nations more effective and resilient in responding to the coronavirus disease pandemic and demonstrated to all of us that it is possible to reform the United Nations system and strengthen its effectiveness and resilience. It is important that we maintain the momentum of reforming the United Nations to include the reform of the Security Council as well. In the Declaration, our Heads of State and Government made a clear and united call to instil new life into the discussions on the reform of the Security Council. Many groups and delegations echoed that message during the intergovernmental negotiations. That was our task at the current session of the General Assembly, and it should continue to be at the next. The Declaration does not expire at the end of the seventy- fifth session. We need a United Nations that is rooted in delivering for “we the peoples”, as reflected in the Charter of United Nations, now and beyond the United Nations seventy-fifth anniversary. In our view, it is vital that the progress and results of the current session be carried forward to the next session of the intergovernmental negotiations to allow for the further narrowing of remaining differences and to continue to build on convergences and the Declaration. We must honour the instructions of our Heads of State and Governments to instil new life in our negotiations. We must roll forward, not backwards. We must move forward not in order to restart, but to work towards realizing the objective — a reformed Security Council that is better able to shoulder its responsibilities and more representative of the world it serves. The Nordic countries stand in full support of the amendment proposed by Ambassador Al-Thani to the draft oral decision. We are ready to contribute to constructive dialogue to achieve tangible progress as we move ahead and continue the negotiations at the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly, building on our work at the current session.

At the outset, let me thank you, Sir, for convening this plenary meeting to adopt the draft oral decision on the rollover of the intergovernmental negotiations on the reform of the Security Council. My delegation aligns with itself with the statements delivered by the Permanent Representatives of Sierra Leone and Kuwait on behalf of the Committee of Ten and the Group of Arab States, respectively (see A/75/ PV.80). I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for your unwavering commitment, Sir, to the process of the reform of the Security Council at the current session. I also thank the co-Chairs of the intergovernmental negotiations, Ambassadors Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani of Qatar and Joanna Wronecka of Poland, for their leadership and laudable efforts in steering this important process. Despite the challenges related to the intergovernmental negotiations process, we believe that we must continue to engage collectively towards achieving comprehensive reform likely to garner the widest political acceptance. We appreciate that this year’s draft oral decision on the rollover includes — in addition to co-Chairs’ elements paper on convergences and divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters  — the 2015 framework document and its annex, which we continue to fully support and remains of particular relevance for Africa, as it accurately captures the Common African Position in its entirety on all the five clusters. We also remain true to decision 62/557 and reaffirm the relevance of the intergovernmental negotiations as being the sole legitimate forum in which to advance our collective endeavour on the issue of Security Council reform. Algeria is committed to the comprehensive and meaningful reform of the Security Council and remains fully committed to the Common African Position on the reform of the Security Council, as set out in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. It is time to ensure Africa’s full representation in the Security Council. In that regard, we welcome the continued and increased support for the Common African Position and express our appreciation that such support was reflected in the co-Chairs’ elements paper. My delegation would also like to echo the concerns raised by the Group of African States about the omission of any reference to the Sirte Declaration in the co-Chairs’ outcome document. Both the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration were decided by the African Heads of State and Government and constitute the pillars of the Common African Position. They must therefore be referenced together in any outcome document, as they equally reflect the legitimate aspirations of Africa to redress the historical injustice done to the continent. We fully support your wise call for consensus, Sir. As you rightly said, this process has always been guided by consensus. It therefore remains critical for us to preserve the consensual nature of the intergovernmental negotiations process, which must continue to underpin our work. We strongly believe that, by putting the draft oral decision to the vote, we would have not only run the risk of further deepening our differences and divergences but also jeopardized that important process. I therefore express my delegation’s support for the draft oral decision as submitted, as well as the amendment thereto proposed by the Permanent Representative of Qatar to include a reference to the commitment of our Heads of State and Government to instil new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council, as set out in the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations (resolution 75/1). We are pleased that the proposed amendment and compromise have been accepted by all Member States and groups concerned, and we welcome the fact that the General Assembly is now moving towards an acceptable and consensual outcome. In conclusion, let me thank you once again, Sir, for your laudable efforts and inclusive approach towards ensuring a consensual conclusion of the intergovernmental negotiations process at the current session.

The Pakistan delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representative of Italy on behalf of the Uniting for Consensus group. I would also like to express our appreciation to the Permanent Representative of Qatar for promoting a proposal that could lead us towards a consensus in the General Assembly on the rollover to the next session of the work of the intergovernmental negotiations at the seventy-fifth session. That contribution by Ambassador Al-Thani is further testimony to her superb leadership, together with that of Ambassador Wronecka of Poland, of the intergovernmental negotiations process this year. I would also like to add that we are happy that the draft oral amendments proposed by certain delegations will not be put to the vote, which would have disastrous results. I would once again like to express the Pakistan delegation’s deep appreciation to you, Sir, for your firm, efficient, transparent and sagacious leadership of the General Assembly this year, including in the intergovernmental negotiations process. You have set a high standard and an outstanding example for the leadership of the General Assembly. As I stated last Wednesday (see A/75/PV.80), we regretted some of the interventions that were made then, and we are hopeful that the expected adoption by consensus of the draft oral decision will restore the dignity and sanctity of the work of the General Assembly and the Office of the President, which was assailed unfairly and unjustly in those interventions. Throughout the intergovernmental negotiations process this year, the proceedings were repeatedly marred by the aggressive demands of certain delegations, which inflexibly and repeatedly pressed for the acceptance of their unequal and inequitable goals. But, as has been demonstrated in the General Assembly today and last week, the membership of the General Assembly does not endorse their sense of entitlement. Our exchanges over the past few days have also reaffirmed that the only way that progress can be made towards agreement on Security Council reform is through consensus. The Council’s reform involves the vital security interests of each and every Member State. It cannot be steamrolled by bullying tactics and procedural manoeuvres. It is precisely due to its significant implications for national interests, the security of Member States and the United Nations system as a whole that the General Assembly adopted, by consensus, resolution 53/30, which provides that any resolution or decision on the issue of Security Council reform can be adopted only by a two-thirds majority of the entire membership of the General Assembly. Procedural manoeuvres cannot circumvent the application of that fundamental resolution of the General Assembly on the issue of Security Council reform. In setting up the intergovernmental negotiations process, the General Assembly further established that its decisions would be taken by “the widest possible agreement among Member States” — in other words, by consensus. The Uniting for Consensus group — which, by its very name, stands for consensus — is gratified that the rule of consensus has prevailed again today. It is my hope and expectation that the lesson learned today about the need to work by consensus will not be forgotten tomorrow, when we resume our work in the intergovernmental negotiations at the next General Assembly session. We hope we have seen the last of the pressure tactics and manoeuvres. The Uniting for Consensus group looks forward to adopting, by consensus, the proposal that has been put forward by the Permanent Representative of Qatar and we look forward to advancing the work of the intergovernmental negotiations next year on the same basis.

We regret the fact that you, Mr. President, are forced to conduct another meeting on an issue that should have been resolved a week ago. It is a miracle that the efforts of the Permanent Representative of Qatar, Ms. Al-Thani, helped us thwart the plans of some groups in the General Assembly to make radical amendments to the draft decision, which could deprive it of consensus. Its consensus-based nature is the cornerstone of the intergovernmental negotiations process and guarantor of any progress. As we warned at the previous meeting on this issue (see A/75/PV.80), the discussion became confrontational, which could imperil the entire intergovernmental negotiations process. We said last time, and I will repeat it today, that that is irresponsible. The adoption of the draft oral decision was on the verge of failure due to the ambitions of certain countries, which were not supported by all Member States. That was very clear for all to see at the most recent meeting. I hope that everyone will draw on the lessons learned. That is the only way to preserve consensus in this process, which is so important for all of us. Not only was the preservation of this year’s progress at stake; so, too, was that of previous years. Let us ensure that disagreements on the path towards reform no longer lead to the loss of more important elements, such as our negotiating format. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to you, Mr. President, for your leadership, able and effective stewardship, which is beyond reproach, in this process. That pertains to the intergovernmental negotiations, last week’s meeting and today’s meeting. We know that you sincerely attempted to adopt a consensus-based decision. We trust that such a decision will be taken today. Once again, we extend our gratitude to the Permanent Representative of Qatar, Ms. Al-Thani, for the fact that in the end, as we hoped, a mutually acceptable solution has been found to the situation. We hope that a consensus-based oral decision will be adopted today on the rollover to next year of the intergovernmental negotiations.

The delegation of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela appreciates the convening of today’s meeting. Like other delegations, Venezuela attaches considerable importance to the intergovernmental negotiations process on the question of equitable representation on the Security Council because we believe that the Security Council is the right forum in which we can strike a balance and guarantee consensus on Security Council reform. Our delegation believes that inclusive and transparent dialogue, based on the consensus of all parties, can facilitate a holistic solution that enjoys the support of Member States. That was indeed the spirit that drove the last round of negotiations and that we hope will drive future negotiations. It was also the spirit that judiciously guided the chairmanship when it granted greater time for consultations among the parties before adopting measures on the draft oral decision. Venezuela lauds the efforts of the co-facilitators to guide the negotiations process and has taken note of the Elements Paper on Convergences and Divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters. As we stated in May, we believe that the document is a point of reference, which, as a personal summary issued by the co-facilitators, should not be considered as a basis for future negotiations. Since the start of this debate, Venezuela has supported the draft oral decision circulated by the presidency in its original version, because, in our view, it offered a balanced reflection of the discussions in and outcomes of the intergovernmental negotiations. However, Venezuela also understands the need to harness the full potential of multilateralism. Consequently, we appreciate and approve of Qatar’s initiative to find consensus as the best way to implement Security Council reform.

The United Kingdom is grateful for all your efforts this year, Mr. President, in encouraging progress on this important issue. We are particularly grateful for your efforts in encouraging Member States towards a mutually acceptable decision today on what is clearly, from our discussions last week, a very sensitive subject. Let me also express the gratitude of the United Kingdom to Ambassador Al-Thani of Qatar and Ambassador Wronecka of Poland for their stewardship of the intergovernmental negotiations process this year, including their work in producing the revised elements of commonality paper, transmitted via letter on 29 April. We are also grateful for Ambassador Al-Thani’s intervention today, which appears, from the statements we have heard so far, to be a wise and constructive proposal with broad support. The United Kingdom has consistently reaffirmed through this year’s intergovernmental negotiations process that we remain steadfast supporters of comprehensive Security Council reform. We also remain committed to the intergovernmental negotiations process itself and to engaging fully. However, we have also said on a number of occasions, throughout this year’s intergovernmental negotiations process, that we sympathize with those who believe the current discussions are moving us too slowly towards a substantive outcome. For our own part, we have consistently expressed willingness to engage in all avenues that could move the process forward at an accelerated pace, including by engaging in text- based negotiations. In that light, the United Kingdom is supportive of the proposal made today by Ambassador Al-Thani to include in the draft oral decision a reference to the commitments made by our leaders in the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations to instil new life in the Security Council reform process. Furthermore, since I did not have the opportunity to say this at our last meeting, let me take this opportunity to say that the United Kingdom would have been able to support the proposals made by the Group of Four and L.69 group to base next year’s intergovernmental negotiations process primarily on the co-Chairs’ revised Elements Paper on Convergences and Divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters. That is indeed in line with what we proposed at the last intergovernmental negotiations meeting on 4 May. In our view, those proposals do not disregard the 2015 Framework Document, which would remain clearly established as a valuable reference document. Neither does the proposal insist upon moving the membership directly into text-based negotiations, about which we know some delegations clearly have reservations. Still, that formulation would have been, we believe, a signal of intent that the membership is committed not to recycling the discussions we have already had, but to finding a concrete and productive way forward. Still, while it appears that that proposal does not enjoy consensual support at this time, we welcome the flexibility shown by the Group of Four and L.69 groups in acknowledging it. Nevertheless, we hope that our discussions at the intergovernmental negotiations meetings of the seventy-sixth session live up to the intent of this proposal, which we understand to aim at making substantive progress on this issue of great importance to us all. Finally, I would again like to express the United Kingdom’s gratitude to you, Mr. President, Ambassador Al-Thani and to all delegations that have worked strenuously in order to show flexibility and achieve a consensual outcome today.

My delegation highly appreciates the sincere efforts of and the leadership by the Permanent Representatives of Poland and Qatar. My delegation fully supports the proposal made by Ms. Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar, aimed at achieving consensus. Adopting a draft decision by consensus is a long- established practice. Any attempt to insert unacceptable language into a draft oral decision could jeopardize or, even, terminate the intergovernmental negotiations process. The issue of reform of the Security Council should be dealt with in a responsible and professional manner, based on the consensus agreement of all Member States. According to decision 62/557, the intergovernmental negotiations process is based on the positions of and proposals made by Member States, regional groups and other groupings of Member states, which makes it clear that the process is member-driven. There is no mandate for co-Chairs to draft negotiations texts without the consensus of Member States. In that context, we understand that the co-Chairs’ Elements Paper on Convergences and Divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters remains their personal observation. Therefore, it cannot be used as a basis for further negotiations. Any attempt to use the co-Chairs’ Elements Paper as the basis for future intergovernmental negotiations is inappropriate and against the real and general understanding of the majority of Member States on moving forward with the intergovernmental negotiations process. The delegation of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea again emphasizes that any initiative to put pressure on Member States by setting artificial timelines or insisting on text-based negotiations, which make the process more complicated, should be avoided.

China highly appreciates the leading role of, and outstanding contributions made by the President of the General Assembly in advancing the intergovernmental negotiations on reform of the Security Council. The draft oral decision on the rollover of the intergovernmental negotiations, proposed by the President of the General Assembly on 11 June, is in line with established practice and meets the expectations of Member States and the requirements for a technical rollover of intergovernmental negotiations. It has the support of the majority of Member States. Blocking at the last minute the General Assembly’s adoption of the draft rollover decision of the President of the General Assembly and attempting to insert controversial elements into the draft will give rise only to differences and confrontation, undermine the unity of Member States and interfere with the intergovernmental negotiations process. It is obvious that that is not a constructive approach, to which the majority of Member States have already clearly expressed their opposition. Following past practice and actively promoting the consensus adoption of the decision by Member States, over the past few days, Ambassador Al-Thani, co-Chair of the intergovernmental negotiations mechanism and Permanent Representative of Qatar, has responded to the call of the President of the General Assembly in his letter, dated 7 June, to roll over the intergovernmental negotiations to the next session. We have expressed our appreciation for those efforts. Based on consensus among Member States, Ambassador Al-Thani proposed amendments to the draft rollover decision of the President of the General Assembly on amendments. In the interest of maintaining the unity of Member States and advancing the intergovernmental negotiations process on Security Council reform, China welcomes those amendments. We support their incorporation by the President of the General Assembly into the draft rollover decision, for adoption by consensus at today’s meeting. That will ensure that the intergovernmental negotiations process remains on the right track. Security Council reform is a process of continuous consensus-building. China has consistently believed that the core goal of the reform is to enhance the representation and voice of developing countries, in particular of African countries in the Security Council; redress the historical injustices borne by African countries, on the basis of consensus, and achieve a solution package that takes into account the interests and concerns of all parties. That is a reform that should benefit all Member States, reflect their unity and help ensure the long term-development of the United Nations, rather than serve the interests of a minority of countries. China stands ready to work with other countries in that direction.

Egypt associates itself with the interventions made by the Ambassador of Sierra Leone, on behalf of the Committee of Ten and the Ambassador of Kuwait on behalf of the Group of Arab States (see A/75/PV.80), with their clear and detailed expressions of positions, which I will not reiterate. We appreciate the efforts exerted by all parties, especially the Permanent Representative of Qatar, Her Excellency Ambassador Alya Al-Thani, towards reaching today’s consensus. We appreciate the guidance of the President of the General Assembly and the efforts exerted by Ambassador Wronecka of Poland, as co-Chair. The consensual nature of the intergovernmental negotiations was not created to complicate the process. On the contrary, the collective wisdom established the principle of the widest possible political acceptance because we knew very well that reform cannot be forced or imposed. We cannot vote to have a new reformed Security Council. That wisdom prevailed today. Indeed, regardless of our different speeds and approaches, we all share a common endeavour towards a reformed, more representative, effective and efficient Security Council. My delegation reiterated more than once that the current time, in which the world is recovering from a devastating pandemic, is the time to be constructive, build on what is common and avoid issues that could divide the general membership and the consensual nature of the intergovernmental negotiations.

Ecuador joins the consensus on the adoption of today’s draft oral decision, as proposed earlier. We were ready to support the draft as you, Mr. President, presented it on 11 June, but I stress that today an element much more important than wording is being preserved — that is, consensus. I would like to congratulate Ambassador Alya Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar and co-facilitator of the process, and you, Mr. President, for your effective management of the process in order to preserve consensus within the intergovernmental negotiations. When I explained my position on the proposed amendments on 11 June, I explained that Ecuador would continue to support the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations (resolution 75/1) and its implementation. Today, we are also protecting an important part of that Declaration — the call to instil new life into the Security Council reform process. Had it been put to the vote, the result of the voting would have contradicted our objective — that is, making progress on Security Council reform to ensure that the Council is more effective and more representative. My delegation encourages all other delegations to commit themselves to ensuring that the next session continues discussions of substance in a constructive manner. We will therefore need to avoid measures that separate delegations and exacerbate the differences among them.

My delegation thanks you, Mr. President, for convening today’s meeting and for providing leadership to move the process forward. I personally commend you, Mr. President, for your wisdom in giving more time for people to narrow their differences because that is a very difficult decision. However, it is a decision that only wisdom will guide. I thank you for that. I thank our sisters Her Excellency Ms. Joanna Wronecka of the Republic Poland and Her Excellency Ms. Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani of Qatar for their dedication to the important work of the intergovernmental negotiations. I am very pleased that Qatar has also taken the lead in pushing us to become closer in the process. My delegation aligns itself with the positions of the Group of African States as presented by the representative of Sierra Leone on behalf of the Committee of Ten and of the L.69 group led by the delegation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (see A/75/PV.80). In meeting after meeting, support for the African position has been expressed. It is therefore important for that support not to be weakened. Any effort to weaken it must be considered worrisome. In my national capacity, I would like to say that my delegation recognizes the co-Chairs’ elements paper on convergences and divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters, as revised. In relation to that matter, the reference to the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration is important. Some 54 Member States have held that position for a long time. It is not something we can lightly ignore. We must also agree — and I am very glad that many delegations that have spoken about it — on the importance of consensus. We would all want to join consensus and should strive as you, Mr. President, have led us to do to get to consensus. Nonetheless, it is also important to appreciate that consensus should not be the only goal. Justice is, at times, even more important. We should avoid a situation in which we ignore what is happening on the outside, in relation to how the United Nations is seen. That is a very important matter and we should try to work harder to achieve consensus that is also substantive so that progress can be made. That is where Nigeria stands. We want to join the consensus. We would also urge colleagues to appreciate the fact that consensus cannot be the end in itself; there must be substantive movement. If not, we will come to a point where the citizens of the world will see us as not doing what they have asked us to do, especially those led by African Heads of State and the Common African Position and guided by the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-fifth Anniversary of the United Nations. I would like to conclude by thanking all delegations for their work, which continues to demonstrate that the process is a positive one. I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for the space you have created for us to continue to narrow our differences. It is obvious that there are differences, but let us continue to narrow them. Let us also believe that there is an end to the process. There has to be a time when it must end. If not, we lose the world. I thank you, Mr. President, for your leadership.

First of all, may I congratulate you, Mr. President, on the great character you have shown today in your search for consensus. I must also congratulate Ambassador Al-Thani for the magic formula — that is how I will describe it — she has come up with to instil new life. It is not good enough to engage in an exercise of semantics. We have got to take it beyond rhetoric. We have got to take it beyond merely instilling life because instilling life would intrinsically mean that we are instilling life into something that, perhaps, was losing life. It is therefore important that we remember that, as we move towards the seventy-sixth year of this noble institution, founded by “we the peoples of the United Nations”, the urgent call of the day is for us to use this time to look at issues of equity, fairness and justice and commit to looking at how we forge consensus on a common purpose to protect humankind and achieve global peace for our human family. We therefore urge our brothers and sisters in the Assembly representing the universal community to strive to work together with dedication and commitment to multilateralism, dialogue and diplomacy. That will enable us to create a more conducive environment for international peace and security, in which all States are equal and treated as most-favoured nations. It is not enough, as I said, to pay lip service to the issues raised  — we must move without delay to exclude tensions and distrust with a view to ensuring that we make real progress, in tangible terms, in furtherance of our commitment to ensuring global peace and security. After decades of discussion and stalemate, including in the past few days, and in today’s uncertain times, it is our earnest hope that as we go into the next session, we can work together with the same flexibility, compromise and magnanimity to ensure that we can create peace and equities, establish justice and remove the imbalance of yesterday. At the same time, we must maintain the foundation and structures for a truly lasting peace and representation that meets our dreams and aspirations, whereby we the peoples of the United Nations can truly work together to find solutions to the common challenges that humankind faces on this planet, which is our only home.

I commend you, Sir, for your continuing stewardship of the presidency of the General Assembly at its seventy-fifth session. The delegation of the Kingdom of Tonga continues to support your able leadership, especially in the challenging times of the current coronavirus disease pandemic. I also commend the leadership and hard work of Her Excellency Ms. Joanna Wronecka, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Poland, and Her Excellency Ms. Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar, co-Chairs of the intergovernmental negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council. My delegation and I are supportive of the President of the General Assembly’s draft oral decision on Security Council reform, as circulated in his letter dated 11 June 2021. The Kingdom of Tonga agrees with the recommendation of the co-Chairs to roll over the work of the intergovernmental negotiations to the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly based on the document entitled “Co-Chairs’ elements paper on convergences and divergences on the question of equitable representation on and in increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters”, which was attached to their letter of 29 April 2021. The Kingdom of Tonga supports building consensus through continuous dialogue and consultations to seek a package solution to serve the interests of all United Nations Member States, in particular small island developing States like my own and developing countries in general. To that end and to conclude, the Kingdom of Tonga prefers that the draft oral decision on Security Council reform that you presented, Sir, in your letter of 11 June 2021, following consultations with Member States and groups of States, be adopted by consensus.

Allow me to begin by thanking Ambassador Al-Thani of Qatar and Ambassador Wronecka of Poland for their leadership of this year’s round of intergovernmental negotiations. With regard to the draft oral decision before us today, let me start by reiterating our principle in our deliberations on the reform of the Security Council. All efforts must be exhausted to reach consensus. That principle continues to guide us, including during today’s deliberations. Indonesia is able to support references that have already garnered consensus, hence we can support the reference to the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the United Nations (resolution 75/1), as agreed by our leaders. At the same time, we would like to underscore that the intergovernmental negotiations process is member- driven. It is entirely up to the Member States to move the intergovernmental negotiations forward. Therefore, while firmly supporting the right of every Member State to submit any proposals at this meeting, Member States should submit proposals that are aimed at constructively bridging our differences instead of dividing us further. We observe that this Hall has consistently seen a generous number of ideas and proposals. However, regardless of how good those proposals are, they will remain abstractions if there is no willingness to compromise or approach differences constructively. Without that willingness or efforts to reach consensus, the discussion on this issue will go nowhere. In that regard, we commend Ambassador Al-Thani on her proposal, which is aimed at achieving consensus, as well as all groups for their willingness to approach their differences constructively by working together with the President of the General Assembly to reach consensus. We believe that Indonesia is not alone in feeling exhausted with the deadlock and repetitive nature of our discussions in the intergovernmental negotiations. My delegation would like to call for all like-minded countries to speak up, so that together we may demonstrate the collective urge to enhance inter-group dialogue and explore our commonalities. The engagement of Member States that are not affiliated with any group also needs to be increased. Indonesia calls on all groups to intensify their engagement with countries from outside their group. We look forward to seeing that spirit prevail in the next round of intergovernmental negotiations, along with improved working methods to explore uncharted areas of our discussion. We look forward to hearing more interactive discussions from all groups in the next round of intergovernmental negotiations. Indonesia will remain active in promoting constructive approaches towards meaningful and actionable reform. We will enhance our efforts to bridge differences with a view to achieving a democratic, effective and efficient Security Council.

At the outset, I wish to thank you, Sir, for convening this meeting on Security Council reform and related matters. My delegation aligns itself with the statements made last week by the representative of Eritrea on behalf of the Group of African States and the representative of Sierra Leone on behalf of the Committee of Ten (see A/75/PV.80). The draft oral decision proposed by the President of the General Assembly is a technical rollover of the intergovernmental negotiations, in accordance with previous practice, and it constitutes a balanced reflection of the discussions and results of the intergovernmental negotiations. The adoption of the draft oral decision by consensus in the General Assembly is a long- established practice. Any questioning of that technical rollover could compromise or indeed even put an end to the intergovernmental negotiations process. In its proposed amendment to the draft oral decision, the Group of Four is attempting to give the co-Chairs’ document the status of a basis for the future intergovernmental negotiations process. We cannot accept that, because the co-Chairs’ document does not reflect the common and comprehensive position of the African Union, which is enshrined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. Moreover, the framework document distributed by the President of the General Assembly in 2015, which is the preferred document of the Group of African States, could, along with the co-Chairs’ document, provide a useful guide for the future intergovernmental negotiations process. The content of the Group of Four’s amendment pertains to very controversial issues and is being met with firm opposition in discussions within the intergovernmental negotiations. We do not believe that such an amendment is conducive to the success of future intergovernmental negotiations. It is time, in our view, to defend a technical rollover by supporting the draft oral decision of the President of the General Assembly, as well as to defend general agreement and the base consensus of Member States on the intergovernmental negotiations process. At the same time, we commend the efforts undertaken by the Ambassadors of Qatar and Poland and my delegation is pleased to see the consensus that has indeed emerged on the issue.

We would like to thank you, Sir, for reconvening us today to consider the draft oral decision on the rollover process of the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform. My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the representatives of Sierra Leone on behalf of the Committee of Ten and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on behalf of the L.69 group (see A/75/ PV.80). We would like to make the following points in our national capacity. At the outset, we would also like to extend our deep appreciation to the efforts of Ambassador Joanna Wronecka and Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani as co-Chairs of the intergovernmental negotiations, which culminated in the development of the elements paper. We further thank Ambassador Al-Thani for her leadership in engaging skilfully with the different delegations to get us to this point today. South Africa’s experience serving on the Security Council has strengthened our conviction that the lack of permanent African representation and Africa’s underrepresentation in the non-permanent category adversely affects the Council’s ability to adequately address matters of peace and security on the continent. It is therefore of fundamental importance that we address that historical injustice. To that end, genuine text-based negotiations should commence, as that is the only way to achieve the commitments made in the 2005 World Summit Outcome (resolution 60/1) and the Declaration on the Commemoration of the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the United Nations (resolution 75/1). Furthermore, in our view, for the fulfilment of the Common African Position, we have no choice but to commence with text-based negotiations. We believe that the African Heads of State would not have provided us with a common position unless their intention was for us to find a means to realize it within the process provided by the General Assembly. While the view has been expressed that the African Union (AU) has not provided clear direction on engagement on text-based negotiations, more importantly, the AU has not precluded progressing on that basis in any decision it has taken. In 2005, with the adoption of the Ezulwini Consensus, Africa made its position clear regarding the reform of the United Nations Security Council, stating its goal: “To be fully represented in all decision-making organs of the United Nations, particularly in the Security Council, which is the principal decision-making organ of the United Nations in matters relating to international peace and security.” I wish to stress  — that remains our primary goal. South Africa therefore thanks Member States for supporting the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration. We also thank you, Sir, for stating that in the summary you provided today. Delays in the reform of the Security Council will not assist us in refining the global means of addressing threats to international peace and security, or in addressing the lack of representation in the Council to ensure that it is able to fulfil its obligation under the Charter of the United Nations to legitimately act on behalf of the broader United Nations membership. The world and the work of the Council have changed over the past 75 years. Failure to address the antiquated composition of the Security Council runs the risk of intensifying the persistent questions raised as to the legitimacy and credibility of the world’s foremost body tasked with the maintenance of international peace and security, which is the most sacred of objectives. We welcome the inclusion of the commitment made by Heads of State and Government, in commemorating the seventy-fifth anniversary of the United Nations, to instil new life in the discussion on the reform of the Security Council. We hope that will allow us to move forward on the basis of a document that we have all supported. As Member States, we have the objective of ensuring the effectiveness of the intergovernmental negotiations by concretizing discussions to enable the speedy reform of the Council. The reinstatement of the past practice of adopting an annual draft resolution — as opposed to adopting an annual rollover intergovernmental negotiations mandate through a draft oral decision without any official record in the adopted resolutions of the Assembly — would represent a tangible step forward and thereby reinvigorate our collective commitment made in light of the urgent need for reform. We believe that objective is something we can all support. It is therefore a necessity that we begin to move forward and not stagnate in betrayal of the intentions of our Heads of State and Government and indeed the people who are affected on a daily basis by violent conflict and instability.

My delegation takes the floor today to reaffirm its position with regard to Security Council reform and its process. We also appreciate and support the proposal made by the Permanent Representative of Qatar with regard to the amendment to the draft oral decision of the President of the General Assembly. We believe that, in order to make it more legitimate, representative, democratic and accountable, the reform of the Security Council should be comprehensive, both in terms of its working methods and the expansion of its membership. That includes working towards exploring pragmatic approaches for moving the reform process forward, particularly in areas where there are still significant differences. The reform of the Council should also enjoy the widest possible political acceptance among Member States. My delegation also wishes to emphasize that Malaysia does not belong to any groups with regard to the Security Council reform process, despite some similarities between their positions and our national position. Our approach to the reform process has always been pragmatic and objective and we have been consistent in advocating for an inclusive and transparent reform process that is guided by consultation and dialogue among Member States. Let me conclude by assuring the Assembly of Malaysia’s commitment to moving this process forward with other Member States, guided by the commitment of our leaders to instil new life in the discussion on the reform of the Security Council.

On behalf of my delegation, I would like to thank Ambassador Wronecka of Poland and Ambassador Al-Thani of Qatar for their efforts and for the document on convergences and divergences. We particularly welcome Ambassador Al-Thani’s commitment and her proposal, which has enabled us to reach a consensus solution. France supports the proposed amendment to the draft oral decision, while stressing that the Group of Four’s proposal is acceptable and in accordance with the objectives we hope to achieve within the framework of the discussions on the reform of the Security Council. We will continue our efforts to participate constructively in the intergovernmental process, which is of great importance to the States Members of the United Nations. We also call on all delegations to demonstrate the same spirit of flexibility in the negotiations, which we hope will bear fruit during the upcoming session of the General Assembly. Finally, on behalf of my delegation, I would like to commend you, Sir, for your dedication and efforts to reach a consensus, as well as your leadership of this debate, including the reconvening of this meeting today, in order to arrive at a satisfying conclusion.

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote before the vote. We shall now take a decision on the draft oral decision, as orally amended. May I take it that the General Assembly: First, decides to reaffirm the central role of the General Assembly concerning the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council and the commitment of Heads of State and Government, representing the peoples of the world, to instil new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council; Secondly, decides to immediately continue intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform in informal plenary of the General Assembly at its seventy-sixth session, as mandated by Assembly decisions 62/557 of 15 September 2008, 63/565 B of 14 September 2009, 64/568 of 13 September 2010, 65/554 of 12 September 2011, 66/566 of 13 September 2012, 67/561 of 29 August 2013, 68/557 of 8 September 2014, 69/560 of 14 September 2015, 70/559 of 27 July 2016, 71/553 of 19 July 2017, 72/557 of 29 June 2018, 73/554 of 25 June 2019 and 74/569 of 31 August 2020, building on the informal meetings held during its seventy-fifth session, as reflected in the letter dated 12 May 2021 from the co-Chairs, and on the document entitled “Co-Chairs’ elements paper on convergences and divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters”, circulated on 29 April 2021, as well as the positions of and proposals made by Member States, reflected in the text and its annex circulated on 31 July 2015, to help to inform its future work; Thirdly, welcomes the active engagement, initiatives and intensive efforts of the President of the General Assembly, and notes with appreciation the active role and concrete efforts of the co-Chairs undertaken in a consultative manner with a view to an early comprehensive reform of the Security Council; Fourthly, decides to convene the Open-ended Working Group on the Question of Equitable Representation on and Increase in the Membership of the Security Council and Other Matters related to the Fifthly, also decides to include in the agenda of the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly the item entitled “Question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council”? It was so decided (decision 75/569).

Before giving the floor for explanations of vote after the vote, may I remind delegations that explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by representatives from their seats.

Let me begin by expressing my agreement with my Russian colleague, who clearly said that we should not have had the debate today. Why do I say that? With all due respect, Sir, you will remember how last week I criticized the fact that the draft rollover decision had been submitted without prior consultation with the major groups, without picking up on the mandate of the Heads of State and Government to instil new life into our debates and without picking up on the co-Chairs’ proposals, which clearly sought the prioritization of the elements paper (see A/75/PV.80). Therefore, while we could have prevented it, I must say that I agree with you, Sir, that last week’s debate was a very lively one. Overall, it was a good thing that we held the debate because it brought our discussions out of obscurity. Those discussions, including today’s discussions, were broadcast live, giving the public a chance to follow our debates. We should continue to have the intergovernmental negotiations debates in public and broadcast on United Nations Web TV and publish the documents. Why is that? Here I would like to pick up on what your predecessor, the President of the General Assembly at its seventy-fourth session, said, namely that what we are doing here is for the people outside who want the United Nations to function and who want the United Nations to represent the realities of the world today. I think all of us here can admit that the composition of the Security Council, which was last changed in the 1960s, does not represent the reality on the ground. The people of the world are justly demanding that we take action and come to a conclusion. Therefore, that was a positive experience and I commend you, Sir, for your readiness to change the draft oral decision. It is also positive that the call of the Heads of State and Government to instil new life in the discussions on the reform of the Security Council is now referenced in the decision that we have just adopted (decision 75/569). However, I must express my surprise to hear that some of my colleagues, including those from Pakistan and China, consider the proposals put forward  — including our Group of Four proposal to add to the decision a reference to instilling new life in the discussions — controversial elements or aggressive demands. What were our demands? Our demands were to include in the decision the co-Chairs’ conclusion that the elements paper should be prioritized, informed by the framework document. I do not understand why that would be considered aggressive. Last but not least, on a positive note we benefited once again from the able capacities of our colleague from Qatar, Ambassador Al-Thani, who did a fantastic job at making the best out of a very complicated situation. I would like to thank her for her relentless efforts during the past few days. While there are a number of positives, we must say that in terms of substance, we regret not having made the progress that we hoped for. What did we want to achieve? We wanted to achieve what the representative of the African Union called for during the intergovernmental negotiations, namely to come out of this process with a single consolidated text. We wanted to go in the direction of what our South African colleague called for earlier, namely text-based negotiations, because that is the only way we can achieve the aspirations of the people scrutinizing our work. We were of the opinion that the proposal by the co-Chairs to prioritize the elements paper, which would be informed by the framework document, would in fact suffice to adequately cover the African Union’s position. We have heard and respect the fact that the African Union was not fully satisfied with that. The Group of Four fully commits to the Common African Position and we ask that, at the seventy-sixth session, the African position be clearly referenced in the elements paper. We also ask all colleagues here to clearly say whether they commit to the African position, as well as those countries that then put pressure on representatives here or in capitals to prevent delegations from asking for text-based negotiations or a single text to stop that. In that regard, I can only echo what my Pakistani colleague earlier: I hope to see the last of such pressure tactics. Let me also pick up again something that from my perspective was perhaps the most important statement that I heard today, which again was from your predecessor, Mr. President, the Ambassador of Nigeria. He said that consensus was good but that it was not a goal in itself. The goal of this Assembly must be to reform the Security Council. As my Pakistani colleague reminded us, there is a provision for a vote. We have to accept this by a two-thirds vote. We should therefore not prevent voting. I think that it would not have been a disaster to vote on the amendments. Why not? Why not do that? We will never have 193 countries agree on a solution; there will also be some that will not like it. Let us therefore include that in our considerations. I wish the General Assembly good luck at its seventy-sixth session, and I hope that the successors will succeed in instilling new life and will respond to the aspirations of the people who look to us and our work. They look at if we are able to actually resolve the issues and provide the conclusions.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Her Excellency Joanna Wronecka, Permanent Representative of Poland to the United Nations, and Her Excellency Ms. Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations, who ably and patiently conducted the discussions and complex negotiations on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and other matters related to the Security Council. I also thank Ambassador Al-Thani for her contribution to reaching a consensus over the past few days. I am sure that members of the Assembly join me in extending our sincere appreciation to them. At this point, I would also like to share with Member States some of my views on the conduct of discussions at the last stage of those negotiations. I worked for a President who said that sometimes one year is too short but one day is too long. As the chief negotiator of my country with the European Union, I therefore really learned a great deal of things about negotiations. In the 10 months here in the General Assembly, I have also learned how difficult it sometimes is to reach a consensus but also that the important thing is to find ways of doing that. Perhaps some delegations were surprised to see me remain so silent when at least one Member State representative personally pointed out some error in my remaining silent. I will take the words expressed by my Egyptian colleague, who said that the Hall is very hot now. But today the Hall is not hot and cold and the climate is very good here. I would therefore like to explain my remaining silence to the representative of a Member State who in New York is known to be a plain-speaking man and made very sentimental remarks — I think during or before the meeting — that were not in line with the diplomatic traditions of the General Assembly. Let me also be honest. My name is Volkan. Volkan means volcano. As the representative of Italy, Mrs. Maria Angela Zappia, mentioned here once, there are two types of volcanoes. What is the Etna type? It spews smoke and ashes in constant eruption but it does not destroy. They call it La Montagne, the mountain, and, while admiring it, they also pray to keep her quiet. The dangerous one is the silent Vesuvius. The day that it erupts, it will spread huge destruction. I remained silent and did not reply to the representative at that time, but I just want to clarify that my silence was in line with the Vesuvian volcano style. The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 127.

I now give the floor to the representative of Singapore to introduce draft decision A/75/L.96.

On behalf of Ambassador Rena Lee, President of the Intergovernmental Conference on an international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, I have the honour of introducing draft decision A/75/L.96, on the postponement of the fourth session of the Conference. The draft decision was submitted due to the ongoing coronavirus disease situation. Prior to its submission, the President consulted the members of the Bureau of the Conference and delegations on whether the fourth session should proceed as scheduled in August. The feedback included concerns over the potential limitations on the participation of delegations, arising from the continued restrictions on travel. The draft decision proposes that the Assembly decide to postpone the fourth session of the Conference to the earliest possible date in 2022, preferably during the first half of the year. It also proposes that the Assembly request the Secretary-General to provide the necessary support and services for online discussions in 2021. We hope that the Assembly will adopt this draft decision without a vote.

We shall now proceed to consider draft decision A/75/L.96. In that connection, I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

The present statement is made in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. Under the terms of the first and second operative paragraphs of draft decision A/75/L.96, the General Assembly would decide to postpone the fourth session of the Conference to the earliest possible available date in 2022, preferably during the first half of the year, and request the Secretary-General to convene the fourth session of the Conference, with full conference services, including documentation, as required, for a duration of 10 days, on the dates to be determined by the Secretary-General, in consultation with the President of the Intergovernmental Conference; and request the Secretary-General to provide the necessary support and services for online discussions to be convened by the President of the Intergovernmental Conference in 2021. The activities referred to in the draft decision relate to programme 1, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, and programme 24, Global communications, and to section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, and section 28, Global communications, of the proposed programme budget for 2022, as presented in A/76/6 (Sect.2) and A/76/6 (Sect.28). Pursuant to the request contained in the second operative paragraph of the draft decision, the fourth session of the conference in New York in 2022 would consist of 20 meetings, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, in 10 days, with interpretation in all six official languages of the United Nations, constituting an addition to the meetings workload of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management in 2022. With regard to the request for documentation services, while constituting an addition to the documentation workload of the Department in 2022, the requirements are yet to be fully determined and will be based on the outcome of the consultations that are planned to take place in 2021. The requested services would be provided on the assumption that the timeline of submission and processing of documentation, as well as the dates for the conference, are determined in consultation with the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management. In addition, requirements are envisaged for live webcasts in all official languages for the duration of the conference in 2022. Accordingly, the adoption of draft decision A/75/L.96 would give rise to budgetary implications of between $520,000 and $600,000 under the proposed programme budget for 2022 under section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, and section 28, Global communications. Pursuant to the request in the third operative paragraph of the draft decision, services would be provided for three to four online meetings in 2021, each comprising of up to three hours, for which it is understood that interpretation services would not be required. In the context of resolution 75/239, related requirements in the amount of $595,800, including recosting, were approved, under section 2 of the programme budget for 2021, for the fourth session of the intergovernmental conference, which had been requested to be convened from 16 to 27 August. As at the date of this oral statement, the resource requirements for online discussions in 2021 are estimated at $640 per meeting, with an estimated total of $2,560. The difference between the approved budget for 2021 and the final expenditure will be surrendered in the context of the financial performance report for 2021, to be presented to the General Assembly at the main part of its seventy-seventh session. In conclusion, should the General Assembly adopt draft decision A/75/L.96, the Secretariat would present a revised estimates report to the General Assembly at the main part of its seventy-sixth session, detailing the additional requirements needed under the proposed programme budget for 2022. The statements that I just read were distributed through the Plenary Place on the e-deleGATE portal and will be made available in the Journal of the United Nations under the e-statements link for the meeting.

The Assembly will now take action on draft decision A/75/L.96, entitled “Intergovernmental conference on an international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction”. I now give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft decision and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become sponsors of draft decision A/75/L.96: Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea- Bissau, Nigeria, the Philippines, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal and Sri Lanka.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt draft decision A/75/L.96?

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 76.

I now give the floor to the representative of Tuvalu to introduce draft resolution A/75/L.98.

I have the honour to introduce draft resolution A/75/L.98, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum”, on behalf of the members of the Forum. The draft resolution is an update of resolution 73/332 and serves to take stock of the various developments over the past two years, while encouraging further cooperation between the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum. Let me highlight a few significant updates in this year’s draft resolution. The preambular part of the draft resolution underlines the importance of the Pacific region’s collective action regarding shared stewardship of the Pacific Ocean and recognizes our region’s vulnerability to the impacts of climate change as the single greatest threat to the livelihoods, security and well-being of the peoples of the Pacific. In the operative section, paragraph 1 encourages the scheduling of the next meeting between the Secretary- General and the Pacific Islands Forum leaders for September 2021, on the margins of the general debate. In paragraph 5, we welcome the high-level meeting that was held on 27 September 2019 to review progress made in addressing the priorities of small island developing States (SIDS) through the implementation of the SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway and the adoption on 10 October 2019 of its political declaration (resolution 74/3), in which Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation with, and support to, SIDS in the context of sustainable development. Paragraph 6 recalls resolution 75/215, of 21 December 2020, on the follow-up to and implementation of the SAMOA Pathway and the Mauritius Strategy for the Further Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of SIDS, in which the threat posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to human health, safety and well-being and to the sustainable development of SIDS envisioned in the SAMOA Pathway and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is noted with great concern. We recall in paragraph 7 decision 74/548, on postponing the high-level 2020 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, to be held in Lisbon. In paragraph 9, we acknowledge the severe, far-reaching and enduring economic and social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for the sustainable development of SIDS envisioned in the SAMOA Pathway and the 2030 Agenda, and note the United Nations support for the Pacific Islands Forum Humanitarian Pathway on COVID-19 as a coordinated unified response to the pandemic. Paragraph 10 expresses the need for urgent action to address the adverse impacts of climate change, including those related to sea-level rise and extreme weather events, which continue to pose a significant risk to small island developing States and to their efforts to achieve sustainable development. Lastly, paragraphs 19 and 20 recognize the ongoing implementation of the multi-country office reviews and welcome the progress made thus far in the establishment of a multi-country office in the North Pacific. On behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum, I would like to thank all delegations for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiations, and we express our sincere gratitude for the invaluable support of delegations that co-sponsored the draft resolution. We welcome the General Assembly’s adoption of the draft resolution by consensus.

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution A/75/L.98, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum”. I give the floor to the representative of the Secretariat.

I should like to announce that, since the submission of the draft resolution and in addition to those delegations listed in the document, the following countries have also become co-sponsors of draft resolution A/75/L.98: Albania, Austria, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Costa Rica, Equatorial Guinea, Finland, the Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Maldives, Malta, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Paraguay, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Sao Tome and Principe, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and Thailand.

May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/75/L.98?

Before giving the floor to speakers in explanation of position, may I remind delegations that explanations are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

My delegation takes the floor to deliver and express our position on resolution 75/288, entitled “Cooperation between the United Nations and the Pacific Islands Forum”. My delegation joined the consensus and welcomes the adoption of the resolution. In that regard, we would like to highlight three points. First, my delegation commends the efforts and leadership of Tuvalu in steering the negotiation of the resolution. Indonesia engaged constructively throughout the negotiations. It is our principled position that we support resolutions that enhance cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations, including the Pacific Islands Forum. Secondly, Indonesia shares various common interests with the Pacific island countries, covering multiple issues, such as climate change, disaster risk reduction, agriculture, fisheries and tourism, as well as small and medium enterprise development. We would like to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening our group with the Pacific island countries to respond to our shared challenges, including through capacity- building and technical cooperation. Thirdly, my delegation would nevertheless like to disassociate itself from the specific language in the fifth preambular paragraph. We once again reiterate our reservation against the communiqué document of the forty-ninth Pacific Islands Forum for reasons that we stated during the 102nd plenary meeting of the General Assembly at its seventy-third session (see A/73/PV.102).

The Republic of the Marshall Islands approaches resolution 75/288 as a Pacific island nation and is a close friend and partner to all nations in our Pacific island subregion. We are proud to join the consensus in adopting the resolution. On 5 March, our national Parliament, the Nitijela, adopted a resolution approving the denouncement of the Agreement Establishing the Pacific Islands Forum, as well as any related predecessor agreements in force. Our constitutional process is fully concluded. This denouncement was transmitted to the specified depository on 9 March and the withdrawal will take full legal effect one year and one day from that date. The Republic of the Marshall Islands acknowledges ongoing high-level political engagement between a representative of the Forum and members of the Micronesian Presidents Summit grouping regarding this matter. Should there be no change in the present situation, the Republic of the Marshall Islands provides notice that aspects of paragraphs 4, 11, 14 and 16 of resolution 75/288 may no longer have any direct application to the Marshall Islands once our withdrawal from the Forum is given full legal effect. However, we continue to welcome the resolution and its application to remaining Forum members. The Republic of the Marshall Islands remains a member of many technical agencies within the Pacific Islands region and committed to working with Pacific small island developing States and other partners in addressing common regional interests.

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (p) of agenda item 130?