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UFC opposed to UNSC expansion

By Dharam Shourie in United Nations
July 26, 2005 15:03 IST

'Uniting for Consensus', led by Pakistan and Italy, has decided to move its own resolution in the General Assembly calling for addition of 10 non-permanent members taking their number to 20 and the body's strength to 25, including the five current permanent members.

The G-4 countries -- India, Japan, Germany and Brazil-- are seeking permanent membership in the council but UFC opposes an increase in the category, stating that it is opposed to the creation of 'new centres of power'.

Italy is expected to introduce the UFC resolution when the 191-Assembly meets around 0030 IST on  Wednesday, which is expected to be followed by discussion.

Also see: UN seat: G4, Coffee Club lock horns

Besides Italy, UFC expects another dozen members to speak on the resolution, which would be the third on the expansion of the council to be introduced in the Assembly after the drafts moved by the G-4 and then the African Union.

Both the G-4 and the AU resolutions have been debated but they have not been called for vote.

The AU, on Monday night, agreed to give up its insistence on veto powers for new permanent members of an expanded United Nations Security Council.

The G-4 draft accepts the principle of veto, but defers its use by new permanent members by 15 years when the assembly will revisit the issue.

Both resolutions call for addition of six permanent members, but the AU wants an extra seat in the non permanent category which would take the council strength to 26.    

The United States wants addition of 'two or so' permanent members and the council strength not to exceed 20, Besides, it would like other reforms to be carried before the issue of council expansion is taken up.

Diplomats said UFC decided to move fast to introduce its draft as it feared that the G-4 and AU might come to some agreement and call for a vote on a joint draft later this week. The UFC wants its resolution also to be on the table, they pointed out.

Earlier, UFC had said it would not introduce its draft unless it builds up consensus. Though UFC has not indicated whether and when would it seek a vote, diplomats said it might offer its draft as an alternative if G-4 and AU drafts or their joint resolution fail to win requisite majority.

Pakistan ambassador Munir Akram said the UFC still believes that consensus is the best road to the expansion of the council.

Dharam Shourie in United Nations
Source: PTI
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