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Journalism of Courage
Disagreeing with some of the recommendations of a high-level panel on reforms of the UN, India, which is one of the main contenders for a permanent seat in the Security Council, has said that generally the member states do not favour creation of a new category of permanent members without veto power.
The international panel appointed by secretary general Kofi Annan gave two options in its report. The first one provides for increasing the number of permanent seats, without veto power, by six and non-permanent seats by three, while the second option provides for creating a new category of ‘‘eight four-year renewable term’’ permanent seats besides increasing number of members in non-permanent category by just one.
Asked to comment on the models for the 15-member council’s expansion, India’s UN ambassador Nirupam Sen said that expansion only in non-permanent category would not satisfy the member states as it does not bring about structural changes, as demanded by them, to reflect the new realities. It is out of question, he said.
India, along with Japan, Germany and Brazil, the other main contenders for permanent UNSC seats, has already started consultations with the member states, and Sen said generally, they (member states) do not favour creation of a new category of permanent members without veto power.
The four countries have, however, welcomed the panel’s report to the extent that it would stimulate debate and for its focus on the right issues. Diplomats said a decision could come before the next year’s summit of world leaders on the occasion of 60th anniversary of the UN. —PTI
