S'pore calls for constraints on veto powers of UN Security Council's Big 5

Singapore has called for constraints on the use of veto powers by the UN Security Council's permanent members, saying that the council is in need of reform to tackle the challenges faced by a world in an "acutely dangerous phase".

- Arvind layaram

"All permanent members should focus on the broader goal of delivering international peace and security," said Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Sept 25, in his first address to the Security Council since becoming Singapore's top envoy nine years ago.

"However, the trend of the increasing exercise of the vetoes suggests we cannot leave this to the P5 (Permanent Five) to voluntarily change their behaviour."