Wednesday, April 27 2005 07:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Pressing for speedy UN reforms, India, Japan, Germany and Brazil, comprising the G-4, will be formally staking claim for permanent membership of the UN Security Council (UNSC) this year.

"We are in the process of submitting a resolution to the UN General Assembly. It is almost in the final stage," Japan's Ambassador to India, Yasukuni Enoki told reporters in New Delhi.

All the four are aspiring to become permanent members of the Security Council and have agreed in principle to extend mutual support.

The Japanese envoy conceded the four countries had "difficult" neighbours. China, a P-5 member, opposes Japan's bid for a permanent seat while Italy is not in favour of Germany's entry. While Pakistan is against India becoming a permanent member, Mexico nurses reservations against Brazil.

Enoki's remarks came ahead of the visit to India by Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and on the eve of talks visiting UN Secretary General Kofi Annan will have with Indian leaders on UN reforms and a host of other issues.

Annan will today (Apr 27, 2005) call on President A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh besides having meetings with External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh and leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha L K Advani.