United Nations, November 22 (RHC)-- Cuba reiterated at the UN General Assembly on Friday the urgent need to reform the Security Council and turn it into a transparent, representative and democratic body.

“One of the major problems and challenges still facing the UN 69 years after it was founded is not having been able to undertake the reforms required by the Security Council,” said Cuban Ambassador Oscar Leon as he addressed a forum dedicated to the performance of the 15-member body.

According to the Cuban diplomat, the update of the United Nations will continue to be pending until the reforms take place, and he reiterated Cuba's concern about the growing trend of the Security Council to consider issues and assume roles that belong to other international agencies.

The Cuban representative criticized the frequent closed-door meetings of the Council and its work methods, as well as what he described as the obsolete and anti-democratic veto power of five nations.

He also called for the increased membership of the Security Council -- both permanent and non-permanent members -- under the principle of maintaining international peace and security, as it is stipulated by the UN Charter.