Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UN chief calls for calm over reform of Security Council

Diplomatic Editor,Anne Penketh
Tuesday 12 July 2005 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The African Union was expected to introduce counter-proposals after Brazil, Japan, Germany and India - known as the Group of Four - sought to win the support of the UN General Assembly in their bid to join the Security Council as permanent members.

But with no consensus emerging over enlarging the 15-member council, the African proposals risk further delaying a solution to an issue that has taken 12 years to come to a vote.

Brazil tabled a draft resolution on Monday, which called for an expansion of the council from 15 to 25 members, including six new permanent seats.

Under the plan, Africa would have two of the six permanent seats. The bitter debate on the draft resolution prompted Mr Annan to urge nations to "calm down."

The African proposals call for an additional non-permanent seat to be held by an African country, and for all new permanent members to hold veto power. The Group of Four needs thesupport of the 53 African states to reach the two-thirds necessary in the 191-nation General Assembly.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in