Wednesday, July 13 2005 15:29 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: Firmly rejecting the criticism that the Group of Four is 'hurtling down' the road with its framework resolution on expansion of the UN Security Council and that vote on it would prove divisive, India has questioned the logic that the General Assembly defer reform of the Council fearing that Permanent members could veto its decision.

In a strong criticism of the Pakistan and Italy led 'Uniting for Consensus' (UFC) group, Indian UN Ambassador Nirupam Sen rejected its contention that G-4 nations: India, Brazil, Japan and Germany abandon their quest for permanent membership as it would prove, 'fruitless dead end' because some of Permanent five (P-5) could veto it.

"We believe that decision taken thrice by the General Assembly through a two-thirds majority cannot be politically vetoed. It is not a dead end but a barrier that has to be broken through so that the 191-member General Assembly is resurrected and revitalized as most powerful universal body of the United Nations," he asserted, participating in the debate on the G-4 resolution which calls for expansion of the 15-member Council by addition of six permanent and four non permanent members.

Assembly will adopt two-third majorities for amendment

Sen was referring to three resolutions, including the framework resolution currently under discussion, the Assembly would have to adopt by two-thirds majorities for amendment to the Charter to give effect expansion before the issue of veto comes up during the ratification process.

Replying to UFC contention that its model, which envisages expansion in the non-permanent category only, is better as it would be easily ratified by P-5.

Sen said "Precisely for this reason, it would be worse for the General Assembly."

Quoting from a 19th century thinker who favoured a "Radical reform that is permitted by the reason, and not permitted by the police. Our critics offer a reform that is permitted by police and not permitted by reason," he said.

Dominance of the current power structure 'incomprehensible':Sen

Their logic to support continued dominance of the current power structure is 'incomprehensible,' Sen stressed.

Referring to the charge by Pakistani Ambassador Munir Akram that G-4 nations had used methods to garner support for their resolutions, which in elections in a democratic country would be consider unethical, Sen told him that 'G-4 hardly require any lessons' on ethics.

During his presentation, Akram had said that UFC's proposal would improve the ratio of non permanent-to-permanent members. Without naming him, Sen said it is not a question of traditional mathematics.

"They wish to increase UN Security Council's efficiency and authority and improve its working methods but without breaking the charmed circle of P-5. Efficiency is not an arithmetical or managerial concept. It is the function of optimal and just decisions.

Authority come form wide acceptability of decision perceived to be fair and just. These cannot be achieved without the contribution of new permanent members," Sen added.

Security Council structure outdated

The G-4 proposal, Sen said, seeks to change the structure of Security Council which is outdated and that has militated against the interest of developing countries, which constitute a majority of member States of the United Nations.

"It is only through a change in its structure and by breaking the charmed circle of permanent members, it will be possible to change the policies and political culture of the Security Council," he added.

But he told the members that G-4 nations are not trying a reform that is static and referred to the clause under which General Assembly review and assess the work of new permanent members after 15 years.

Thus, "The General Assembly which we are seeking to revitalize will continue to be the master of the reforms process being undertaken," he added.

Pointing out that position of African Union (AU) is nearer to G-4 than UFC, he said UFC proposal would deny two permanent seats AU is trying to seek.

African Union seeks immediate veto

AU is seeking immediate veto for new permanent members and in his presentation Pakistani Ambassador Akram had said, AU is not interested in veto but something else.

Replying to the remark, Sen said, "This is to reinterpret the Ezulwini Consensus and AU summit document and claim to know what AU wants better than AU itself."

Regarding the allegation that G-4 are bringing the resolution with undue haste, Sen said it is the culmination of the discussion that have taken place over a decade.

"It is the consequence of a broad based consultation process that takes on board the concerns and view of all," he added.