Thursday, September 28 2006 10:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: Pressing for UN reforms including expansion of the Security Council, India yesterday (Sept 27,2006)said the world body should reflect the current realities and ensure collective representation of the entire world.

"In order to ensure that the international community exercises real ownership of the process of securing our world, it is essential that comprehensive reform of the Security Council is undertaken and its membership is expanded in both permanent and non-permanent categories," Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in his address to the UN General Assembly here.

There is wide acceptance that the Council can no longer be regarded as being reflective of the changed international environment that has emerged since its creation, he said.

Observing that the Security Council remained mired in the past, Mukherjee said that recent 'tragic' events in Lebanon and the 'stasis' of peace process in the Middle East have highlighted the 'growing failure' of the institution (Council) designated by the Charter with primary responsibility for issues relating to peace and security.

In his address, the Defence Minister pointed out that Secretary General Kofi Annan has also called, in his report, for enhancement of legitimacy and urgent need to reform to ensure relevance and credibility.

India is a strong contender for a permanent seat in the Council which has five permanent members, including United States, Britain, Russia, France and China, and 10 non-permanent members who are elected on regional basis by the General Assembly for a two-year term.