United Nations adopt Liechtenstein’s veto initiative

On 26 April, the United Nations General Assembly decided to adopt the veto initiative launched by Liechtenstein, as the Principality of Liechtenstein Government reported in a press release. Following the resolution, the UN General Assembly must automatically meet within 10 days if the veto is used in the Security Council by one of its five permanent members. Liechtenstein’s work on the initiative began more than two years ago, and support has since become so strong that it could ultimately be adopted without a vote.

“The initiative serves to strengthen the United Nations and the rule of law, which Liechtenstein has been consistently working to consolidate for many years,” said Dominique Hasler, Minister of Home Affairs, Education and Environment, in the press release. “The support for our idea is once again proof that even a small state such as Liechtenstein can play an active, defining role at international level.”

“In consideration of major political differences”, Liechtenstein has been campaigning for years that the UN General Assembly should take greater responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in its Security Council. There is no right of veto at the General Assembly, in which all countries have one vote.