'Fresh perspectives' on many issues.

The peaceful settlement of disputes and a strengthened UN role in international peace and security were among the issues discussed at the 1993 session of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the organization (1-19 March, New York).

The challenges facing the UN had been spelt out in the Secretary-General's report, An Agenda for Peace, Special Committee Chairman Erkki Kourula of Finland said in an opening statement on 1 March. New political circumstances allowed many issues to "be approached from fresh perspectives". Considering regional organizations "as partners, and not as alternatives" to the UN, made it possible to improve cooperation.

Promotion of the peaceful settlement of disputes deserved constant attention, Mr. Kourula stated. Emphasis must be placed on prevention, particularly on peacemaking, rather than enforcement.

The 47-member Special Committee meets annually and reports to the Assembly's Sixth Committee (Legal).

Committee action

Guatemala's revised set of rules for the conciliation of disputes between States was discussed by the Committee, which noted that country's intention to submit a revised draft in 1994. Those non-binding rules, contained in 31 articles, could be employed by States after failing to resolve their disputes through negotiation.

A working paper by the Russian Federation on cooperation between the UN and regional organizations called on States to establish regional bodies capable of taking act prevention and peaceful settlement of disputes, with special attention given to preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping and dispute settlement through negotiation, enquiries, mediation, conciliation, good offices, judicial settlement and arbitration.

Two working papers on assistance to third States affected by sanctions were submitted. A 13-Power draft sought to establish an assistance fund of assessed and voluntary contributions, to be administered by the Secretary-General. Two States favoured individual trust funds, to be created under the same Council resolutions which imposed economic sanctions.

A Libyan proposal on strengthening the UN role urged discussion of the principle of consensus among the Council's permanent members, stating that the use of veto had "rendered the Council unable to fulfil its role". It suggested that the veto should not be invoked to "defend acts of aggression, occupation and injustice".

A Cuban paper called on the Special Committee to discuss the privileges of the Council's permanent members, as well as the Council's composition, functions and mandate.

Flexibility needed

In debate, suggestions were made to improve cooperation between the UN and regional organizations. Speaking on behalf of the European Community, Denmark suggested that such coordination should respond to threats to international peace and security without rigid formulations, adding that flexibility was required to adapt to the particular needs of each situation.

Romania said the UN could not protect all people afflicted by war and that regional organizations must assume more responsibility. The security of any country in Europe was "inconceivable" without the interaction of the UN, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Western European Union.

Guyana stated that while recourse to regional organizations as a practical measure should be encouraged, it should not detract from the primary responsibility of the UN in maintaining international peace and security.

Japan said serious consideration should be given to the Security Council's membership and composition. Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group, said the Council should expand its membership in accordance with the "logic of democracy".

The end of the cold war had witnessed a dramatic increase in Council activities and a new reality raised questions about its "representative" character, Brazil stated. While 180 countries were currently represented in the UN, the number of seats in the Council had remained unchanged since 1963.

Colombia suggested that the relationship between the Assembly and the Council should be marked by "greater equilibrium and cooperation", and a new form of "constitutional control" over the Council might allow for greater cooperation between them.