UN General Assembly
1993

experience. On this basis I ask members for their support in the forthcoming elections. As many have already mentioned in the general debate, the world is different than it was 50 years ago. Consequently, the United Nations and its Security Council have reached a turning-point. Still, it is the considered opinion of my Government that, on the whole, the Security Council now serves us well. In the past few years, it has ceased to be a mere side-show in world politics. Indeed, it has frequently come to occupy centre stage. As a result, the Council and the United Nations as a whole are striving to meet the rising expectations the world is pinning on them. Whatever changes we suggest, we must proceed responsibly in efforts to reform the Council, in the spirit of mutual understanding and consensus. The Security Council must adapt to the new political, economic, social and security realities of the world. Some countries have become important members of the international community. An expansion of the Security Council must above all respect principles of effectiveness and responsibility for