Tripoli: Head of the Presidential Council, Mohamed Menfi, affirmed Libya’s support for the African position calling for the abolition of the veto power held by permanent members of the United Nations Security Council.
According to Libyan News Agency, Menfi made this declaration during his participation in the sixth summit of the African Union Committee of Ten on Security Council Reform, conducted virtually via Zoom. He highlighted that if the veto power remains, justice necessitates that the African Union should also wield it through African countries nominated for permanent seats on the Security Council.
Menfi stressed that Security Council representation must reflect all peoples and regions based on equality and balance, without undermining the African demand for at least two permanent and five non-permanent seats. He contended that the veto has become an obstacle rather than a tool for ensuring peace, creating an imbalance of power within the international system.
Calling for an effective and transparent Security Council, Menfi urged genuine reform to enhance its capability to respond to conflicts, ensure balanced representation, and be accountable to member states. He criticized the Council for disregarding African conflicts and making decisions without involving the concerned states or respecting their sovereignty, condemning its silence on crimes against Palestinians.
Menfi proposed external political action, suggesting the committee send a joint letter to the leaders of the permanent members of the Security Council, demonstrating African unity, followed by direct diplomatic action at leadership and ministerial levels.
He emphasized the significance of holding the seventh summit of the Committee of Ten alongside the UN General Assembly in September, marking a vital step to present Africa’s united voice to the international community at a symbolic moment.
Reaffirming Libya’s full commitment to the unified African position as per the Sirte Declaration and the Ezzolini Consensus on Security Council reform, Menfi stated that Libya dedicates its diplomacy to this just path, urging African nations to continue coordination and speak with one voice to achieve their goal.