The G4 countries--India, Germany, Japan and Brazil have called out countries who are dragging their feet on United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms while slamming China and reiterated backing for Africa at the high table.&nbsp;

The letter was sent by India's deputy permanent representative to UN, Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu to President of the United Nations General assembly (UNGA) Tijjani Muhammad-Bande.

Without taking the name of China, the joint letter by G4 countries said,"after more than a decade towards text-based negotiations, the inter-government&nbsp;negotiations process has become a convenient smokescreen to hide behind for those who do not wish to see any reforms in the security council."

Explaining, "there is a need to ensure that the inter-governmental negotiations (IGN) process is not held hostage, procedurally and substantially, by those who do not wish to bring about reforms in the Security Council" and warning, if this happens then, "those who demand reform will be forced to look for other ways to finally make progress, including potentially outside the&nbsp;"IGN process".

China along with other UNSC members who are opposed to Japanese, German membership as part of UNSC solidarity has been stonewalling talks on expansion of membership.&nbsp;

Intergovernmental Negotiations framework is a group within the United Nations that looks at&nbsp;UNSC reforms but it has made no progress since 2009 when it was formed. The group's conversation is considered "informal" in nature and thus UNGA rule of procedure do not&nbsp;apply. &nbsp;

Also, no attempts have been made to put talks into the consolidated text to begin formal negotiations due to resistance by certain countries opposed to the expansion of UNSC membership. G4 have called for "urgent need for transparency and application of General Assembly's rules of procedure to the intergovernmental negotiations".&nbsp;

The letter by G4 backed Common African position for UNSC expansion as stipulated under Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration. Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration called&nbsp;for at least two&nbsp;permanent and five&nbsp;to two&nbsp;non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table.

It said, "it is only correct and fair that the growing support expressed for the common African position in the two&nbsp;meetings of the IGN earlier this year are captured" in discussions.

G4 has asked letter to be circulated to all members of UN and called for the continuation of "discussions held in 74th session as soon as possible in the 75th session" of the UNGA.

The G4 countries--India, Germany, Japan and Brazil have called out countries who are dragging their feet on United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms while slamming China and reiterated backing for Africa at the high table.

The G4 countries--India, Germany, Japan and Brazil have called out countries who are dragging their feet on United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms while slamming China and reiterated backing for Africa at the high table. The letter was sent by India's deputy permanent representative to UN, Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu to President of the United Nations General assembly (UNGA) Tijjani Muhammad-Bande. Without taking the name of China, the joint letter by G4 countries said,"after more than a decade towards text-based negotiations, the inter-government negotiations process has become a convenient smokescreen to hide behind for those who do not wish to see any reforms in the security council." Explaining, "there is a need to ensure that the inter-governmental negotiations (IGN) process is not held hostage, procedurally and substantially, by those who do not wish to bring about reforms in the Security Council" and warning, if this happens then, "those who demand reform will be forced to look for other ways to finally make progress, including potentially outside the "IGN process". China along with other UNSC members who are opposed to Japanese, German membership as part of UNSC solidarity has been stonewalling talks on expansion of membership. Intergovernmental Negotiations framework is a group within the United Nations that looks at UNSC reforms but it has made no progress since 2009 when it was formed. The group's conversation is considered "informal" in nature and thus UNGA rule of procedure do not apply. Also, no attempts have been made to put talks into the consolidated text to begin formal negotiations due to resistance by certain countries opposed to the expansion of UNSC membership. G4 have called for "urgent need for transparency and application of General Assembly's rules of procedure to the intergovernmental negotiations". The letter by G4 backed Common African position for UNSC expansion as stipulated under Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration. Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte declaration called for at least two permanent and five to two non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table. It said, "it is only correct and fair that the growing support expressed for the common African position in the two meetings of the IGN earlier this year are captured" in discussions. G4 has asked letter to be circulated to all members of UN and called for the continuation of "discussions held in 74th session as soon as possible in the 75th session" of the UNGA.

G4 calls for UNSC reforms, slams China; reiterates backing for Africa at the high table

India along with Japan, Germany and Brazil, part of the G4 countries on Monday called off China and coffee group's bluff on United Nation Security Council (UNSC) reforms as the United Nations decided on next step for reforms at the high table. &nbsp;

The coffee group of Uniting for Consensus (UFC) group, led by Italy has Pakistan, Turkey as its members and aims to counter bids by the G4 countries.

India shot off two letters, one on a standalone basis and another as part of G4 grouping to United Nations General assembly (UNGA) President highlighting 2 aspects--one backing Common African position, and another and more importantly on those who on the pretext of negotiations are stalling reforms--which clearly pointed to China.

The letter by India's deputy permanent representative to UN, Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu to President of the United Nations General assembly (UNGA) Tijjani Muhammad-Bande said, “after more than a decade towards text-based negotiations, the inter govt negotiations process has become a convenient smokescreen to hide behind for those who do not wish to see any reforms in the security council" 
Explaining, "there is a need to ensure that the inter-governmental negotiations (IGN) process is not held hostage, procedurally and substantially, by those who do not wish to bring about reforms in the security council" and warning, if this happens then, "those who demand reform will be forced to look for other ways to finally make progress, including potentially outside the" IGN process.

Intergovernmental Negotiations framework (IGN) is a group within the United Nations that is looking into UNSC reforms but it has made no progress since 2009 when it was formed. The group's conversation is considered "informal" in nature and thus UNGA rule of procedure done apply. &nbsp;

Also, no attempts have been made to put talks into the consolidated text to begin formal negotiations due to resistance by certain countries like China opposed to the expansion of UNSC membership. G4 have also called for "urgent need for transparency and application of general assembly's rules of procedure to the intergovernmental negotiations"&nbsp; 
 
On Africa, the letter said, "it is only correct and fair that the growing support expressed for the common African position in the 2 meetings of the IGN earlier this year are captured" in discussions. 
 
The "Common African position" for UNSC expansion has been stipulated under Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, both of which call for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table. 
 
What is interesting is, the Chinese mission to the UN was quick to react and questioned the need for reforms in "haste". This when informal negotiations for reforms are underway for the last 10 year, thus bringing out the Bejing's mischief on reforms at UNSC. The Chinese mission in a statement said, "To start text-based negotiation in a haste or to impose a single document is not conducive to building a consensus and promoting unity".&nbsp; 
 
The Italian mission to UN, chair to the coffee group also reacted and in a letter called for "necessary political will and flexibility". Both the Chinese letter and coffee club's letter had no mention of Common African position. 
 
Earlier this year two&nbsp;IGN meetings have happened, but the rest 3 meetings are yet to happen. &nbsp;The developments of Monday will be part of UN record and will be raised by countries calling for reforms during the further negotiation process.

India along with Japan, Germany and Brazil, part of the G4 countries on Monday called off China and coffee group's bluff on United Nation Security Council (UNSC) reforms as the United Nations decided on next step for reforms at the high table.

India along with Japan, Germany and Brazil, part of the G4 countries on Monday called off China and coffee group's bluff on United Nation Security Council (UNSC) reforms as the United Nations decided on next step for reforms at the high table. The coffee group of Uniting for Consensus (UFC) group, led by Italy has Pakistan, Turkey as its members and aims to counter bids by the G4 countries. India shot off two letters, one on a standalone basis and another as part of G4 grouping to United Nations General assembly (UNGA) President highlighting 2 aspects--one backing Common African position, and another and more importantly on those who on the pretext of negotiations are stalling reforms--which clearly pointed to China. The letter by India's deputy permanent representative to UN, Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu to President of the United Nations General assembly (UNGA) Tijjani Muhammad-Bande said, “after more than a decade towards text-based negotiations, the inter govt negotiations process has become a convenient smokescreen to hide behind for those who do not wish to see any reforms in the security council" Explaining, "there is a need to ensure that the inter-governmental negotiations (IGN) process is not held hostage, procedurally and substantially, by those who do not wish to bring about reforms in the security council" and warning, if this happens then, "those who demand reform will be forced to look for other ways to finally make progress, including potentially outside the" IGN process. Intergovernmental Negotiations framework (IGN) is a group within the United Nations that is looking into UNSC reforms but it has made no progress since 2009 when it was formed. The group's conversation is considered "informal" in nature and thus UNGA rule of procedure done apply. Also, no attempts have been made to put talks into the consolidated text to begin formal negotiations due to resistance by certain countries like China opposed to the expansion of UNSC membership. G4 have also called for "urgent need for transparency and application of general assembly's rules of procedure to the intergovernmental negotiations" On Africa, the letter said, "it is only correct and fair that the growing support expressed for the common African position in the 2 meetings of the IGN earlier this year are captured" in discussions. The "Common African position" for UNSC expansion has been stipulated under Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, both of which call for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table. What is interesting is, the Chinese mission to the UN was quick to react and questioned the need for reforms in "haste". This when informal negotiations for reforms are underway for the last 10 year, thus bringing out the Bejing's mischief on reforms at UNSC. The Chinese mission in a statement said, "To start text-based negotiation in a haste or to impose a single document is not conducive to building a consensus and promoting unity". The Italian mission to UN, chair to the coffee group also reacted and in a letter called for "necessary political will and flexibility". Both the Chinese letter and coffee club's letter had no mention of Common African position. Earlier this year two IGN meetings have happened, but the rest 3 meetings are yet to happen. The developments of Monday will be part of UN record and will be raised by countries calling for reforms during the further negotiation process.

India, G4 call off China's bluff on UNSC reforms

The United States on Monday hit out at China and Russia over its reported failure to condemn the Baghdad embassy attack last week.

"Not allowing the United Nations Security Council to issue the most basic of statements underscoring the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises once again calls the council's credibility into question," the United States said in a statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defense-chief-esper-denies-us-troop-pullout-from-iraq-after-leaked-letter-confusion-272596">Also Read: Defense chief Esper denies US troop pullout from Iraq after leaked letter confusion</a>

The US said supporting the &nbsp;1961 Vienna convention did not need to be "controversial or warranted courage."

Last week thousands of protesters and militia fighters demonstrated and then stormed the US embassy in Iraq over a US airstrike in which a US citizen was killed. Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, and many other senior militia leaders were among the protesters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/qassem-soleimani-funeral-national-mourning-to-last-for-three-days-in-honour-of-west-asias-and-middle-easts-most-powerful-man-272233">In Pics: How people in Iraq mourn death of Qasem Soleimani</a>

President Donald Trump blamed Iran for "orchestrating" the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad.

"Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible," the US president said.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraqs-parliament-votes-to-expel-all-5000-us-troops-272384/embed" width="560" height="350" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" autoplay=1 allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

Last Friday, amid heightened tensions, the United States assassinated Iran's general Sulemani plunging the region into a crisis.

After the US condemnation of China and Russia claimed that it was not possible to disregard the US drone attack which killed Soleiman.

"The statement was nearly ready, and it was agreed upon, at least with us, with the US," &nbsp;Russian ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia said, however, he added that after the drone attack "it wasn't possible to disregard the whole context."

UN ambassador Zhang Jun dismissed the US statement, asserting that it "firmly supports the protection of the safety of foreign missions in accordance with international law."

"The US unilateral military action has led to drastic changes in (the) regional situation," Zhang Jun said.

Jun added that UNSC should reflect the latest developments of the situation and help prevent escalation of tensions.

The United States on Monday hit out at China and Russia over its reported failure to condemn the Baghdad embassy attack last week. "Not allowing the United Nations Security Council to issue the most basic of statements underscoring the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises once again calls the council's credibility into question," the United States said in a statement.

The United States on Monday hit out at China and Russia over its reported failure to condemn the Baghdad embassy attack last week. "Not allowing the United Nations Security Council to issue the most basic of statements underscoring the inviolability of diplomatic and consular premises once again calls the council's credibility into question," the United States said in a statement. Also Read: Defense chief Esper denies US troop pullout from Iraq after leaked letter confusion The US said supporting the 1961 Vienna convention did not need to be "controversial or warranted courage." Last week thousands of protesters and militia fighters demonstrated and then stormed the US embassy in Iraq over a US airstrike in which a US citizen was killed. Qais al-Khazali, leader of the Iranian-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia, and many other senior militia leaders were among the protesters. In Pics: How people in Iraq mourn death of Qasem Soleimani President Donald Trump blamed Iran for "orchestrating" the attack on the US embassy in Baghdad. "Iran killed an American contractor, wounding many. We strongly responded, and always will. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the US Embassy in Iraq. They will be held fully responsible," the US president said. Watch Video: Last Friday, amid heightened tensions, the United States assassinated Iran's general Sulemani plunging the region into a crisis. After the US condemnation of China and Russia claimed that it was not possible to disregard the US drone attack which killed Soleiman. "The statement was nearly ready, and it was agreed upon, at least with us, with the US," Russian ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia said, however, he added that after the drone attack "it wasn't possible to disregard the whole context." UN ambassador Zhang Jun dismissed the US statement, asserting that it "firmly supports the protection of the safety of foreign missions in accordance with international law." "The US unilateral military action has led to drastic changes in (the) regional situation," Zhang Jun said. Jun added that UNSC should reflect the latest developments of the situation and help prevent escalation of tensions.

US criticises Russia, China at UN over failure to condemn Baghdad embassy attack

Syed Akbaruddin, India's permanent representative to the United Nations, speaking exclusively to WION said Pakistan's attempt to raise&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/life-returning-to-normal-in-kashmir-valley-jk-government-244222">Kashmir issue</a> in the world body was its yearly itch.

Last week Akbaruddin had conducted his first-ever press conference at the UN even as&nbsp;Pakistan sought to raise the Kashmir issue after&nbsp;the&nbsp;Indian government scrapped&nbsp;special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Akbaruddin said he felt no hesitation in calling out China and Pakistan over the Jammu and Kashmir issue after China which is a permanent member of the UNSC had called for “closed consultations" with member states on India's move to do away with Article 370 which was ratified by the Indian Parliament.

"There was no mention of Article 370 on Friday," Akbaruddin told WION, adding that the president of the UNSC did not speak at the meeting.

In fact, according to sources, US, France and the Dominican Republic had backed India and didn't support China's call for an open UNSC session. Moreover, US and France blocked any UNSC public statement after the closed session, sources said.

Akbaruddin told WION that&nbsp;during the press conference he gave Pakistani journalists a fair chance to speak and&nbsp;he had acutally&nbsp;planned for a much more difficult time. Akbaruddin declared that he had just ten minutes to prepare for the press briefing.&nbsp;

"We were surprised by the breadth of support at the UNSC," Akbaruddin added.

"No statement made by the UNSC made the loudest statement," Akbaruddin asserted.

During the press conference, Akbaruddin had said that Article 370 was an&nbsp;"internal matter of India" with no external ramifications while making clear&nbsp;that the UNSC had appreciated India’s efforts to restore normalcy in Kashmir.

Syed Akbaruddin, India's permanent representative to the United Nations, speaking exclusively to WION said Pakistan's attempt to raise the Kashmir issue in the world body was its yearly itch.

Syed Akbaruddin, India's permanent representative to the United Nations, speaking exclusively to WION said Pakistan's attempt to raise the Kashmir issue in the world body was its yearly itch. Last week Akbaruddin had conducted his first-ever press conference at the UN even as Pakistan sought to raise the Kashmir issue after the Indian government scrapped special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Akbaruddin said he felt no hesitation in calling out China and Pakistan over the Jammu and Kashmir issue after China which is a permanent member of the UNSC had called for “closed consultations" with member states on India's move to do away with Article 370 which was ratified by the Indian Parliament. "There was no mention of Article 370 on Friday," Akbaruddin told WION, adding that the president of the UNSC did not speak at the meeting. In fact, according to sources, US, France and the Dominican Republic had backed India and didn't support China's call for an open UNSC session. Moreover, US and France blocked any UNSC public statement after the closed session, sources said. Akbaruddin told WION that during the press conference he gave Pakistani journalists a fair chance to speak and he had acutally planned for a much more difficult time. Akbaruddin declared that he had just ten minutes to prepare for the press briefing. "We were surprised by the breadth of support at the UNSC," Akbaruddin added. "No statement made by the UNSC made the loudest statement," Akbaruddin asserted. During the press conference, Akbaruddin had said that Article 370 was an "internal matter of India" with no external ramifications while making clear that the UNSC had appreciated India’s efforts to restore normalcy in Kashmir.

No mention of Article 370 at UNSC meet on Friday: Akbaruddin to WION

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G4 calls for UNSC reforms, slams China; reiterates backing for Africa at the high table

India, G4 call off China's bluff on UNSC reforms

US criticises Russia, China at UN over failure to condemn Baghdad embassy attack

No mention of Article 370 at UNSC meet on Friday: Akbaruddin to WION