Alexandre Rocha, special envoy*
Brasilia – The Algerian minister of Foreign Relations, Abdelaziz Belkhadem, defended today the United Nations Organisation (UN) reform at the last meeting for the Foreign Relations ministers, happening before the official opening of the summit. Algeria currently holds the rotating presidency of the League of Arab States and co-presidency of the summit together with Brazil.
The minister said that the world organisation should build an international forum. The aim is to promote justice and expand responsibility for the international communities in matters that affect varied regions in the world, as is the case of Palestine.
"We hope the UN makes a positive change and takes into consideration a more equitable participation amongst the civilisations," declared the minister. Belkhadem said to his counterparts that he hopes for these changes already at the next UN general meeting, in September, including the increase in Security Council members.
The expansion of member countries in the Security Council is one of the priority proposals by Brazilian diplomacy.
Belkhadem also declared that the summit will establish bases for a greater cooperation between South America and the Arab countries. The minister believes the meeting will serve not only for political and economic amplification, but will also broaden the use of human, technological and financial resources existing in the two regions.
"We wish to prepare great projects to consolidate our capacity and ensure our independence," said the minister, referring mainly to the use and development of new technologies.
*Translated by Silvia Lindsey
