Vietnam News Agency (VNA)

PM pledges to fulfill nation's new role

17/10/2007 -- 11:03 AM

Ha Noi (VNA) – Viet Nam will do its utmost to fulfill its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, meeting the expectations of the international community’s trust, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung affirmed.

PM Dung made the pledge in an interview with the Vietnam News Agency right after the country became a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2008-09 term, as voted for by a majority of UN member countries.

The interview runs as follows:

Q: What do you think is the significance of Viet Nam ’s new post as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2008-09 term?

A: Firstly, on behalf of the government and people of Viet Nam , I would like to express thanks to Asian countries, the UN permanent member countries and other UN member countries for electing Viet Nam to this position.

Following Viet Nam ’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the country’s non-permanent membership in the UN Security Council was a milestone in the country’s integration into the global economy, affirming the country’s sound foreign policy of multilateral cooperation and diversification, retaining friendships and trustworthy partnerships with all countries in the international community. This is an achievement that has resulted from the concerted efforts made by the entire Party, army and people of Viet Nam over the past 20 years of renovation, taking the country to a new level in the international arena.

Becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council is also an opportunity for us to improve the position and image of Viet Nam as a peace-loving country that has participated in and made effective contributions to the common fight of the human beings for peace, independence, prosperity, democracy and social progress.

The event will generate more credibility and pride from the Vietnamese people, encouraging them to exert more efforts to further contribute to the country’s renewal process and comprehensive development. It will also be a good opportunity for Viet Nam to become a more attractive and safe destination for business in the region and the world at large.

Q: Becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council is a great honour for Viet Nam but it also requires responsibility. What is Viet Nam going to do to contribute to the UN Security Council’s activities during the next two years?

A: The UN Security Council, one of six main agencies of the UN, has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Accordingly, the UN Security Council may impose sanctions to solve disputes and conflicts and even coercive measures when necessary, including the use of force, to address dangers that threaten world peace and security. All countries, both UN member and non-members countries, must respect and observe all decisions and resolutions of the UN.

Becoming one of the 15 members of the most important agency of the largest international organisation is a great honour that also comes with heavy responsibility. A non-permanent member of the UN Security Council is responsible to take a full part in the process of drafting and building the Council’s important decisions pertaining to the most important issues relating to peace and security in various regions and the world as a whole.

To fulfill the task, Viet Nam will also adhere to the guidelines, goals, and principles of the UN Charter and international laws while actively asking for consultancy from and cooperating closely with other UN Security Council members to work out appropriate policies for the sake of the legitimate interests of all UN member countries.

Viet Nam will join other countries in every effort to ease tension, prevent and peacefully resolve conflicts in the world. It supports and is willing to make contributions to comprehensive and absolute disarmament while denouncing all types of international terrorism and advocating the elimination of terrorism in line with international laws.

Viet Nam is eager to participate in mechanisms inside and outside the UN Security Council regarding the reconstruction and development assistance for countries recently having experienced conflicts. The country is also prepared to share the experiences from its process of reconstruction and development following fierce wars.

Viet Nam is finalising preparations to efficiently participate in the UN peace keeping activities in conformity with the country's conditions and capacity.

The country will join other countries in boosting multilateral cooperation, with the UN at the centre and consider this an efficient and long-lasting measure to solve common issues.

Viet Nam will continue to make contributions to the reform of the UN, especially the UN Security Council to increase the efficiency and democracy of this agency so that it will effectively deal with new threats and challenges in the 21st century, contributing to the struggle for peace, national independence, democracy and social progress of the people all over the world.-Enditem

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