United Nations:United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's proposal that theGeneral Assembly move quickly to endorse his restructuring plan suffered asetback with two major groups virtually rejecting setting of a firm deadline.

The 130-member Group of 77 (G77) and 113-member Non-Aligned Movement agreed onthe need to reform the United Nations but wants it to be done after thoroughdiscussions.

Ban had written a letter to General Assembly President Sheikha Haya Al Khalifaof Bahrainon the issue. Though the letter has not been made public diplomats say itincludes suggestions for bifurcation of the Peacekeeping Department and changesin the Department of Disarmament.

The 192-member Assembly is scheduled to meet on February 5 to discuss therestructuring proposals and Ban would like it to allow him to move immediately.

The G-77 held a closed door meeting Tuesday after its Chairman Munir Akram haddiscussions with the Assembly President. No official word was available on theproceedings.

But diplomats and officials who participated said almostevery speaker opposed setting 'artificial deadlines' and said the Assemblyshould not be pushed into taking any decision.
Several countries are members of both group and their opposition could delay,or even derail some of the proposals or drastically modify them.

They also stressed need for ensuring that disagreements are not voiced in thepublic or press but felt setting artificial deadlines would becounterproductive.