United Nations: In his last address to the Security Council today United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan once again stressed the need for its expansion to give it more legitimacy.

Speaking after the 15-member Council unanimously adopted a resolution expressing its gratitude and paying tributes to him for the work he has done during his 10-year term, Annan said he had often criticized the Council for its composition.

"I still hope that this will be modified since I am convinced that with a more democratic and representative character the Council will gain even greater legitimacy and its authority will be more widely respected," he said.

India is a strong candidate for a permanent seat on the expanded Council which currently represents the realities as existed after the Second World War.