Since the beginning of the year, Germany sits in the security Council of the United Nations. With the start of the month it is now officially the chair for the first time in the continuation of a “twin presidency“ with France.
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Germany has the presidency in the UN security Council
What do you mean “twin presidency”?
Germany and France are currently both in the UN security Council. France is due to its permanent seat is always a member of the highest UN body. Germany was elected for the years 2019 and 2020 in the security Council. Both countries have a month to the presidency of France in March, Germany in April. As a sign of close cooperation between the two EU member States have their presidencies, for the first time to a “twin presidency” – the French speak of a “Jumelage” – toothed. Even if it is the month of change, a formal Handover of the presidency from France to Germany, there are de facto hardly Changes, because Germany leads the jointly developed program. It was agreed the closer UN cooperation of Berlin and Paris in the Aachen Treaty.
What is the Agenda of Germany and France?
A focus on crisis prevention in Africa. Germany and France want to support the UN Mission in Mali, and Burkina Faso to work in the area of peace and security closely together. Humanitarian workers worldwide, the work will be facilitated; they should be better protected and equipped.
The UN peacekeeping mission in Mali around 1000 German soldiers participate
The Initiative wants to introduce Federal foreign Minister Heiko Maas at the beginning of April in New York. A further focus of the fight against the trafficking of small arms in the Balkans. The better cooperation of the authorities in this field should also be a model for other regions. Germany intends to work in consultation with France, also for more political participation of women and against sexual violence in conflict. Another important issue is the disarmament. Germany will not pass in April, a meeting of the security Council on nuclear proliferation and disarmament.
What are the main priorities set by Germany in the security Council?
From the beginning Germany, it was important to promote the idea of the UN, for international collaboration and cooperation. The growing nationalism of Donald Trump Germany and France want to put their multi-lateral approach. The “twin presidency” is already a sign of this idea, but also with the other European members of the security Council (currently the UK, Belgium and Poland) have coordinated with Germany and France closely. Together, the EU member States are committed to the preservation of international agreements and treaties such as the Paris climate agreement, or the INF Treaty for nuclear disarmament. Also on the compliance with UN resolutions, thumping Germany and France in the security Council. As Germany’s UN Ambassador Heusgen, the US vehemently opposed the breach of international Law by the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the violation of the Golanresolution the United Nations accused.
Why work for the United Nations in the great crises so powerless?
In fact, the security Council in the big world is split on political issues often. On a Syria Resolution about some of the body for years, because the United States and Russia pursue different interests, both of the track but a Veto right in the highest UN body. Also in the case of the crisis in Venezuela has some of the security Council on a common line. A Resolution of the United States, calling for relief supplies and fair elections, joined Germany, France and the other Europeans. Russia and China blocked the Resolution by Veto. Thus, the security Council was a repeat of the UN in the assessment of a conflict, at odds, and the panel was formed by the cleavage of the international community of States only.
The members of the UN security Council
Germany gets a permanent seat in the security Council?
Since the reunification of Germany for a permanent seat in the UN security Council. Recently Germany and France have declared in the joint Aachen Treaty, a Reform of the United Nations and a permanent seat for Germany for the common goal. Arguments, Germany has many on his side: the fourth-largest contributors, a large number of troops in the framework of the United Nations and around the world engaged in important fields of the United Nations, such as climate policy, human rights and disarmament. Germany is not alone, for a Reform: Brazil, Japan and India are fighting for new seats in the UN security Council. In fact, it is the goal of UN Reform is only “a millimeter-by,” how recently, a UN-Diplomat. Germany needs to enjoy his time as an elected member of the highest UN body – a permanent presence is not in sight.