Namibia fights for Africa slot on Security CouncilThe Namibian president yesterday addressed the UN General Assembly, urging reform of the Security Council. Geingob calls on UN to reform body President Hage Geingob has said the United Nations Security Council is too important an organ to be left in the hands of a few members. “The reform of the Security Council cannot be reduced to the aspirations of a few countries,” Geingob said yesterday while addressing the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
“Hence we reiterate our call for the comprehensive reform of the Security Council, thereby making it more democratic and transparent, so as to better serve humanity.
“Namibia remains fully committed to the African common position on UN reform. We are of the opinion that the Security Council should reflect the broad membership of our organisation. Fairness and justice warrant that Africa be part of the equation.”
The UN Security Council is responsibile for maintaining international peace and security and has five permanent members - China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. It also has ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly.
Geingob also touched on the unresolved question of self-determination for the Palestinian people, saying their freedom cannot be denied forever.
“Namibia thus calls for the full implementation of the all relevant UN resolutions on Palestine.
“The international community must fulfil its obligations and assist the people of Palestine to realise their basic right to independence and self-determination.
“Their freedom and independence cannot be denied forever – it can only be delayed – let history be our best teacher,” said Geingob.
Western Sahara left out
The Namibian leader also renewed the country’s position that the people of Western Sahara, currently annexed by Morocco, should be given the chance to have a referendum on the issue of self-determination.
“We are a nation that believes in being an enemy to none and a friend to all, and we also believe in a world where no one should feel left out,” said Geingob.
“Unfortunately, our brothers and sisters in Western Sahara feel left out. We therefore hope that the people of Western Sahara will soon enjoy the freedom that the Kingdom of Morocco helped Namibia to attain.
“It is in this vein that we call for the full implementation of resolutions calling for a referendum in the occupied Western Sahara, so that the people there can freely express themselves as to whether they opt for independence or unification with Morocco, so that the disagreement between brothers and sisters comes to an amicable end.”
STAFF REPORTER