Thursday, June 9 2005 12:51 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: Faced with opposition from several member countries, India and other Group of Four (G-4) countries have dropped their demand for veto power in an expanded UN Security Council (UNSC) for 15 years if they are accepted as permanent members of the world body.

In a new compromise draft circulated yesterday, India, Japan, Brazil and Germany, campaigning vigorously to become permanent members of the Security Council, proposed increasing the strength of the Council from 15 to 25 members with six new permanent seats, thus hoping to join the elite group. Two seats may go to African nations.

The draft, which emerged after weeks of discussions, keeps the principle of veto for the new permanent members intact but they would not exercise it until the question of its extension has been decided by a review conference 15 years after the amendments to Charter giving effect to the recommendations in the resolution come into force.

In effect, the new permanent members would not have veto right for at least first 15 years after taking their place.

Replying to questions, Indian UN Ambassador Nirupam Sen said the amended draft has not been diluted so far as veto is concerned as it keeps the principle intact.

During the 15 years, member States would have the time to judge the contribution made by new permanent members and then decide whether that right should be extended to them.

Pakistan and Italy led "Uniting For Consensus" (UFC) group, which are opposing the G-4, and China were taken by surprise when the grouping had on Tuesday (Jun 7, 2005) said they were postponing the draft circulation under pressure from the US and opposition from Beijing.

In a significant development, France meanwhile has agreed to co-sponsor the resolution.