Kazakhstan seeks major UN Security Council reforms

United Nations, Sep 19 (EFE).- Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for a reform of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, addressing the United Nations General Assembly, to be more representative “so that other nations, including Kazakhstan” can assume a more prominent position.

During the opening of the 78th session, Tokayev expressed concerns over the inability to address international disputes, like the Ukraine conflict, without “a comprehensive reform of the Security Council.” He pointed to the council being stymied by confrontations among veto-holding powers: the U.S., China, and Russia.

“I am strongly convinced that the voices of middle powers and all developing countries need to be amplified and clearly heard on the Council. The Security Council should be more representative so that other nations, including Kazakhstan, can play a greater role in promoting peace and security,” he said.

Tokayev lamented that “conflicts persist in many parts of the world,” urging all involved parties to seek “diplomatic solutions” rooted in the UN Charter. In this context, he voiced support for all initiatives and efforts by various nations “in backing a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis.”

“Diplomacy and dialogue must always prevail in seeking solutions to disputes,” he asserted.

Central Asian nations haven’t joined Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. However, they advocate for a diplomatic solution and don’t openly support Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions.

Central Asia, a region traditionally viewed as within Russia’s sphere of influence, is among the few areas Russian President Vladimir Putin has visited since the war’s onset. EFE

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