Igor Ivanov: UN reform must enhance its authority

While speaking at the opening of a session of the inter-governmental organisation, the Interaction Council, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said that the reform of the UN and its Security Council should not undermine the organisation's authority and its central role in global affairs.

According to the minister, this applies to work to complete international law. "International law cannot stand still and must develop with account for new trends," the minister said.

At the same time, Ivanov believes that it is important that this process be based on agreed approaches, leading to global law being strengthened and not the opposite. The minister said that in the opposite scenario, attempts to act unilaterally and use force would be made, while other countries would seek to guarantee their own security, including by gaining weapons of mass destruction.

According to Ivanov, this problem can only be resolved through energetic international dialogue. "Here the intellectual contribution of the Council could be useful," the minister said. He believes that the Security Council members have great professional and life experience, which allows them to take considered solutions with regard to the most complicated problem of global politics.

The Interaction Council unites state figures that have held the highest posts in their counties. Chairman of the organising committee and President of the Russian Trade and Industry Chamber Yevgeny Primakov is taking part in the Moscow session, along with honorary chairman Helmut Schmidt, co-chairman Malcolm Frazer and Kiichi Mugazawa. Representatives of the Netherlands, Mexico, Germany and the USA are also attending, as are Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration Sergei Prikhodko, politicians, scientists and others.