Wednesday, June 29 2005 18:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: Amid mounting pressure from India and other G-4 nations for expansion of the UN Security Council, the US has said the much-discussed enlargement should not overshadow other key reforms to the world body.

The expansion of the UNSC should not take precedence over other reforms like creation of Human Rights Council and setting up of a new peace building Commission, Secretary of State Condolezza Rice said visiting the UN headquarters in United States for the first time after taking charge from Colin Powell.

The proposed Human Rights Council will replace the Geneva-based Human Rights Commission.

Rice briefed Annan on the progress on UN reforms and, "Stressed the need for agreement on a broad package," said a statement issued by the United Nations.

But media reports quoting American officials and diplomats said she emphasized that Washington would like to see progress on other reforms, including on management, before enlargement of the Council.

Rice and Annan discussed a broad range of international issues including UN reforms, the need for closer US-UN consultation on Iraq and support for the African Union's mission to Sudan's western Darfur region, the statement said.

Diplomats said she discussed UN reforms in detail with the Assembly President Ping and made known the US position on the issue.

However, she did not talk with waiting UN reporters after the 35-minute meeting with General Assembly President Jean Ping and a 40-minute discussion with Secretary-General Kofi Annan.