EU wins super-observer status at UN

The European Union on Tuesday secured super-observer status at the United Nations after overcoming objections from small states that they could see their influence eroded. A vote was passed by the 192-nation UN General Assembly after high-powered lobbying by EU foreign affairs representative Catherine Ashton and ambassadors from the 27-nation bloc.
Other regional groups such as the Arab League, African Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) may now seek a similar extra observer rights at the global body, diplomats said. The EU made one attempt to get the extra powers at the General Assembly last year, but suffered an embarrassing defeat when small states opposed a vote and sought extra time for negotiations.
Ashton led behind-the-scenes talks that went on up to the final hours before Tuesday's vote which passed with 180 countries in favour and Zimbabwe and Nauru abstaining. Csaba Korosi, ambassador from Hungary, the current EU president, told the assembly: "The European Union wishes to bring its full weight to bear in supporting and strengthening" global governance. But some small states again expressed concerns about giving the EU a special right to speak at the General Assembly with "major groups" and a right of reply in debates.
Paulette Bethel, the Bahamas ambassador speaking for CARICOM, said the 14-nation Caribbean group had originally fought the move because it feared creating "a new category of non-state observer with a unique complement of rights and privileges" which could marginalia small states at the UN. Lara Otto, an envoy for Nauru, said the move was "granting the EU a 28th voice in the general debate" which "privileges 27 countries above all other countries." Nauru feared "the erosion of the equality of voice of member states," she added.
A bid by Zimbabwe to weaken the changes was overwhelmingly rejected. Ashton, in the first EU speech to the UN assembly after the vote, said "extraordinary efforts" were made to agree the final text. "What you will hear is a clearer voice to the United Nations from the European Union," but one that is "extremely and absolutely respectful" of the UN institutions. But many states said they would be closely watching for abuses of the system.