Peñalver, who also serves as permanent ambassador to the United Nations, recalled Cuba’s historical position for a new UNSC, even though he supported an open and constructive dialogue for a solution with the broadest political acceptance.

For a comprehensive reform, he said during a meeting, transparent informal negotiations are being required, and that minutes of the Council’s closed consultations be issued, while these should be the exception and not the practice.

Plus, he highly recommended the adoption of rules of procedure for global security, which to date remains provisional.

Peñalver considered the absence of permanent members from Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean in the agency as unfair.

Expanding new permanent members should include at least two countries from Africa, two from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as two developing countries from Asia, so that they can be part of the relevant decisions taken by UNSC, he added.

At the same time, the Cuban diplomat recognized the pressing need to reach an agreement upon expanding the number of permanent and non-permanent seats.

To this end, he urged to seek for a UNSC´s more balanced composition that would rectify the under-representation of developing countries, which make up a large part of the UN membership.

“This would allow for a more credible and effective Security Council,” Peñalver further stressed.

The Cuban deputy foreign minister stressed his country’s opposition to the veto, although he recommended that the new permanent seats to be established should have the same prerogatives and rights as long as the veto is not eliminated.

“We do not favor the creation of new categories or subcategories of members, because it would deepen existing differences and foster division within the Council,” he said.

The diplomat also urged an end to the Council’s interference in matters outside its competence, particularly in those issues that fall within the mandate of the UN General Assembly.

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