Thursday, April 28 2005 17:57 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Favouring an expansion of the UN Security Council even if the new members did not get veto powers, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan today (Apr 28, 2005) said it would be a "major step forward" as different viewpoints would be represented in the grouping.

"Let's not get too involved with vetoes. Enlargement without veto will itself be a major step forward (as) the UNSC will get different viewpoints which most countries are not able to present at the moment," he said after delivering a lecture on the changing role of the UN in New Delhi.

Annan said the countries which contributed significantly to UN financially, militarily or diplomatically would be the top contenders for permanent seats if and when the UNSC is expanded.

He did not name any country. India, Japan, Germany and Brazil are among the nations trying to become members of the council.

The Secretary General also indicated that a decision on expansion was likely to be taken at the UN summit meeting to be held in September.

"The issue (of expansion) has been discussed for many years and every member state has had ample time to make up its mind. I suggested, therefore, that member states should agree to take a decision one way or the other before the summit meeting this September on the proposals before them, including making the Security Council more broadly representative of the international community as a whole and of the geopolitical realities of today.

"It would be far preferable for member states to take this vital decision by consensus. But if they are unable to reach consensus, this should not become the excuse for postponing action," Annan said.