Wednesday, July 27 2005 16:50 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: Pakistan and Italy led 'Uniting for Consensus' (UFC) has decided to move its own resolution in the General Assembly calling for addition of ten non-permanent members taking their number to 20 and the body's strength to 25 including five current permanent members.

The G-4 countries, India, Japan, Germany and Brazil are seeking permanent membership of the Council but UFC opposes increase in the category, saying that it is opposed to creation of "new centers of power."

Italy is expected to introduce the UFC resolution when the 191 Assembly meets around 1500 hours today (0030 IST Wednesday) which is expected to be followed by discussion.

Besides Italy, UFC expects another dozen members to speak on the resolution, which would be third on expansion of the Council to be introduced in Assembly after drafts moved by G-4 and then African Union.

Both G-4 and AU resolutions have been debated but they have not called for vote. The AU last night agreed to give up its insistence on veto powers for new permanent members of an expanded UN Security Council.