Tuesday, May 31 2005 08:07 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Reykjavik: In a fillip to India's campaign for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC), Iceland yesterday (May 30, 2005) agreed to co-sponsor the draft resolution of Group of Four (G-4) countries to be tabled before the world body next month even as its President Rangar Grimsson saw Indo-Iceland friendship as a "wake up call" for the Europe and the United States.

Emerging after delegation-level talks between the two countries, President A P J Abdul Kalam told reporters at Bessastaoir, the official residence of Iceland President, that Reykjavik has agreed to co-sponsor the draft resolution of G-4 nations.

India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, which constitute the G-4 countries, had prepared a draft resolution on expansion recently. This will be placed before the United Nations next month and would require two-thirds majority for being adopted by the 191-member body.

The draft resolution, which was circulated earlier this month at the UN headquarters, lays size and component, mode of elections of the countries, working pattern of the UNSC. It also has a review clause to evaluate the performance of the UNSC member countries after every 15 years.

If the resolution is adopted, elections would take place after a fortnight, which calls for participation of two Asian countries, one Latin American country and one from European Union and two non-permanent members. Each country, desiring to enter the UNSC, would have to apply and again secure two-thirds majority to enter the Council.