Türkiye's Erdoğan proposes stripping permanent UN Security Council members of veto power

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said that abolishing the veto power of the permanent members of the UN Security Council should be a key objective of its reform.

Source: European Pravda, citing Erdoğan's op-ed for Bloomberg

Details: Erdoğan said that the "tragedies of recent years" had demonstrated that entrusting the resolution of global crises "to the will of a handful of capitals is no longer compatible with the realities of today's world".

"The adaptation of global decision-making mechanisms to today's circumstances can no longer be postponed. The United Nations Security Council still reflects the structure of the post-World War II era," he said.

Erdoğan believes that a more "effective, equitable and accountable" approach to representation has become an urgent necessity.

He said this requires not only broader representation but also a fair distribution of leadership responsibilities.

In this context, Erdoğan stressed that abolishing the veto should be both the starting point and the main strategic objective of any meaningful reform.

He also believes that a broad coalition should be formed within the UN General Assembly based on the principle that no state "should have the power to permanently obstruct the will of the majority of the international community".

In his view, the balance between the Security Council and the General Assembly needs to be restored.

Background:

• In spring, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul criticised the UN Security Council for its inability to make decisions due to the vetoes of individual members.
• Later, Germany's bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council was unsuccessful.

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