Tuesday, May 17 2005 18:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Washington: Pressed for veto power by India and other G-4 countries in an expanded UN Security Council, the US has said the issue is a "matter of concern" to it and will raise "a lot of different views among different nations".

"I think obviously we all know that the issue of the veto power is one that has been discussed. It has been raised in discussions among the member states, including by some who are looking for membership of the Security Council," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher told news persons in Washington when asked about reports of US opposing veto power to India and other countries if they become permanent members of UNSC.

"I think we know that this matter will raise a lot of different views among different nations. We look forward to that discussion. It is a matter of concern to the United States. But I don't have any definitive words on that right now," he said yesterday (May 16, 2005).

Asked whether the US should continue to have veto power in an expanded Security Council, Boucher replied: "The United States should have the veto power, period."

About the official US position on veto power for Japan, the only country the US has supported for a permanent seat on the Security Council, Boucher said: "We have made clear our support for Japan's candidacy for a permanent seat. I think that is where it stops for the moment."