Friday, August 5 2005 11:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: Welcoming African Union's announcement, rejecting a G-4 compromise formula on United Nations Security Council expansion, Pakistan's envoy to the world body Munir Akram yesterday (August 4, 2005) said he looked forward to have a close dialogue with African brothers.

"It is good that Africa has maintained its unity," he said brushing aside reports that positions taken by Pakistan and Italy led Uniting for Consensus (UFC) group and African Union (AU) differ on fundamentals.

He did not explain how the Africans, who have rejected permanent seats without veto as suggested by G-4, would reconcile with UFC's position that expansion should be only in the non-permanent category.

Akram said he looked forward for a close dialogue with African brothers after they rebuffed the overtures of Group of Four, comprising India, Japan, Germany and Brazil, on expansion of the Security Council.