New Delhi
5 July 2005
The African Union's proposal for UN reform is at variance with that of
the G-4 in that it seeks one more non-permanent member from the continent and veto
rights but India remains optimistic of reconciling its proposal with the AU's before the
framework resolution is tabled in the General Assembly.
Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran on Tuesday told media persons the government was
"optimistic" that the differences would be sorted out in due course. Initial reports
suggested the AU endorsed in principle the expansion of permanent and non-permanent
membeship, he said.
Meanwhile, in Astana in Kazakhstan where the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
concluded its talks, Russia, China and four central Asian countries opposed fixing any
deadline for UN reforms or imposing a vote on draft proposals, including on expansion
of UNSC mooted by India and other G-4 countries.
In a seven-page declaration at the end of their summit, the SCO leaders said, "It was
confirmed that in implementing the reforms, it is essential to follow the broadest
possible agreement, rather than try to set a deadline for the UN reform or to impose
voting on the draft proposals on which major differences still exist".
The AU meet, which concluded earlier in the day, has proposed to add six countries, two
of which would be from Africa, as new permanent Security Council members and five
others, including two from Africa, as non-permanent members. The G-4 seeks to add four
countries, one of which would be from Africa.
The G-4 and the AU are also apart on the issue of veto rights to be given to new
permanent security council members. The G-4 proposes that veto powers for the new
permanent members be frozen for 15 years. The AU foreign ministers insist the new
members be given veto rights.
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