President Umar Musa Yar’Adua yesterday took a strong stance against the continued exclusion of Africa from the Security Council of the United Nations (UN), describing it as “unfair and untenable.
“The Security Council remains geographically unbalanced in spite of protests for a reform of the system. The five permanent members are the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), China, France and Russia.
But addressing the UN General Assembly for the first time since assuming office, the President did not mince words in calling for an expansion of the Council to ensure adequate represenation of the African Continent.
“Africa is totally excluded from the permanent membership of the Council. That is unfair, untenable and must be rectified,” he stated. He said the Nigerian delegation will work with member states to press for a “comprehensive reform” of the UN system, while also supporting the organisation in achieving the collective aspirations of member states.
Yar’Adua touched on international trade saying Africa seeks global trade rules that are fair and just. He pointed out that massive investment on infrastructurewould also be required from international investors.His words:
“What Africa seeks from the international community is genuine partnership for economic development manifested in a global system predicated on fairness, justice and equity.”
The President pledged his support for the global war on terrorism. He said Nigeria has set up four centers to counter terrorism. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also monitors illegal transfer of funds in connection to terrorism, money laundering or other purposes that fall foul of the law, he said.
Yar’Adua described the Darfur crisis as a “blight onthe collective conscience of the internationalcommunity.” He called on the warring parties torespect the various peace agreements signed. Nigeria will support the UN/African Union (AU) hybridforce, he told the General Assembly. The Presidentappraised the global fight against HIV/AIDs, malariaand tuberculosis, with a warning that it must not losemomentum.Yar’Adua applauded the successful outcome of thesession on climate change held on Monday. He howeverpointed out that more needs to be done considering thefact that Africa is vulnerable to climate change.He reiterated his government’s focus on three cardinalareas – good governance, free enterprise and the ruleof law. The President paid tribute to the achievements offormer UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan and thecommitment of his successor, Ban Ki-Moon
Sep272007