
Panama has officially backed India's bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), calling India an essential voice for the Global South. In an exclusive interview with WION, Panama's Foreign Minister strongly supported comprehensive UN reforms, stating that the current global governance structure no longer reflects the realities of the 21st century.

The minister emphasized that India deserves a permanent seat on the UNSC while also advocating for permanent representation for Latin America. He further highlighted Panama's interest in expanding strategic ties with India through digital governance, innovation, technology, and education. Panama is also exploring the establishment of an IIT campus to serve the wider Latin American region.

Panama backs India’s UNSC permanent seat bid | Big boost for PM 

The issue of the UNSC Reforms is linked to the broader issue of reform of the international architecture which is clearly updated be it the financial institutions or the United Nations. So there is broad support across the United Nations and here I can remind that during UNGA 77th in September about 75 heads of state and government agreed that the security council needs to reform in both categories and I'm happy to say that as the debate have progressed this year there are many voices who feel something that is long overdue and that action must be taken forward. Of course, this is something which will not be easy, it is one of the most complex processes in the United Nations but there's a high degree of interest and importantly recognition that something needs to be done.

Ruchira Kamboj, India's permanent representative to the UN talks to WION about UN reforms

Calling for reforms, the President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Abdulla Shahid has said that the United Nations should reflect the geopolitical realities.

Calling for reforms, the President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Abdulla Shahid has said that the United Nations should reflect the geopolitical realities. The over 75-year-old body is the most represented organisation of the world with 193 member countries that collectively form the main body of the United Nations. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent, Sidhant Sibal, the UNGA President said, "I have urged member states, appealed to member states, if you want the United Nations to be regarded as credible, we will have to make sure that we become relevant to the current geopolitical realities of the day. We have to change the composition of the security council and the way that it functions," UNGA President is on a two-day India visit, during which he had several meetings that included External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra. In the interview, he listed out his achievement under the "Presidency of hope" and how the Russia-Ukraine conflict was a challenge. Abdulla Shahid is also the Maldives' foreign minister. In response to WION, he called the ties between New Delhi and Malé "outstanding". Dismissing anti-India propaganda in his country by some elements, Abdulla said, "It's a program of propaganda being pushed by a group of people who have nothing to offer to the people of Maldives," WION: If you can list out the key highlights of your Presidency? Abdulla Shahid: I came promising a presidency of hope, I came at a time when the world was reeling under death and despair, devastation during COVID-19. My theme of hope was based on five rays of hope: the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, rebuilding sustainably, respecting the rights of all, responding to the needs of the planet, and reforming the United Nations. Because I believe recovering from COVID-19 is to be our first and foremost effort. There is no other way than to recover from COVID-19 pandemic and achieve vaccine equity and vaccinate the world. I convened a high-level meeting on February 19 this year, to bring the countries together and to galvanise the international community on vaccine equity in addition to rebuilding sustainably. Achieving SDGs have been a challenge even before COVID-19. For small countries, LDCs etc the meagre resources that were allocated to achieve these SDGs had to be channelled to confront the pandemic. So, we were completely off track in many parts of the world to achieve the SDGs. We have to use this as an opportunity to restart and make this into recovery so that by 2030 we can achieve as much as possible. Respecting the rights of all, human rights have to be part of all, everything we do, and I wanted to bring this important theme, one of the fundamentals of the foundation of the UN, to the centre so that we are able to build around it. Never let human rights be relegated to the periphery. Responding to the needs of the planet we see what is happening to the planet. We see how badly the environment is degraded; climate change is impacting countries. We are seeing the glaciers melting, we see the deserts expanding, the forest fires raging, we see storms intensifying, and the sea level rising. We need to unite in front of this and have a conversation. In July I convened, "moment for nature". World leaders take a moment for nature and think about how we can save this planet for future generations. WION: Presidency was challenging amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. How did that impact your Presidency, a divided UN: West versus Russia and China? Abdulla Shahid: Well, it was a challenging time, because the permanent five members are involved in a conflict. What we were able to prove at the UN was the system for multilateralism does work, because at the UN when UNSC fails to address an international peace and security issue persistently. Then the UNSC or membership have the right to bring the issue to the general assembly. The general assembly has no veto, and every country has one vote. That was brought under United for peace resolution, and once a special emergency session is convened, the powers of the security council are transferred to the general assembly, including the power of enforcement of chapter 7 which is what we are in today. I am presiding over a special UN session that has been convened at the request of the security council after 40 years. We have seen the world unite with 143 countries, supporting the resolution that was submitted. We saw the international community speak clearly and loudly. Read more: 'Reflective of larger national attitude', Indian mission gives an earful to Chinese envoy to Colombo WION: But it also shows a very defunct UN. What initiative you took to reform? Abdulla Shahid: The process of the reforms of the security council has been going on for the last 14 years. The intergovernmental negotiations are continuing. This year, for the first time, we were able to do more meetings. We were able to bring more consensus on the very diverse issue that was on the table. We have to be mindful that we are talking about 193 countries coming together, including the five permanent members. It will continue to be a long process. However, I have urged member states and appealed to member states that if you want the United Nations to be regarded as credible, we will have to make sure that we become relevant to the current geopolitical realities of the day. We have to change the composition of the security council and the way that it functions. WION: Personally, for you what were the key focus areas, youth and women empowerment are issues you have been close to and raising it strongly. Abdulla Shahid: Gender equality is one of my priorities. I make sure, in my office at the general assembly that the office of the president is gender balanced, including at a very senior level in the cabinet. Also, I made a pledge that I will not attend any panel that is not gender balanced, a pledge that I have kept. I have also made sure to meet women and girls during all my travels to understand their views and understand the challenges and convey a message to them that together we can achieve. If business as usual is maintained, it will take 138 years for gender parity to be achieved. That is unacceptable, we have made positive interventions. We have to make sure that we properly talk about it and make complete, positive interventions so that it will be changed. Having more women at the table and in the decision-making in politics, and the economy is essential. I convened a high-level meeting on violence against women in politics because of violence against women in politics. We need to address this issue. We have to make the workplace friendly and welcoming for women coworkers. I remember in 2019 in the UN when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand came to the general assembly, she had to leave the general assembly every two hours, because she was carrying a baby and had to feed. We do not have a facility for that. I have been successful in establishing a lactation room at the United Nations. Currently, we have nine rooms under the guardianship of New Zealand and El Salvador, one of them next to the general assembly hall itself. We have to mainstream, not only establish, and talk about it so it is established in other parts of the world as well. The question of highlighting the fact that women do not have equal opportunity has to be highlighted time and time again. We are talking about the pandemic so example, we saw death and devastation but one topic we do not talk about is violence against women and vulnerable groups. It is an issue neither you nor I can avoid because at the end of the day it's our mothers, our sisters and our children. Read more: Argentina shows interest in India's Tejas fighter aircraft; wants to trade in local currencies too WION: What brings you here in Delhi? You had a number of key meetings. Abdulla Shahid: India was the first country to support my presidency when my candidature was declared. India played a very important role in backing my presidency. The support India has given in the form of my Chef de cabinet, for example, a distinguished diplomat from India, Ambassador Nagaraj Naidu. He has been outstanding and working with member states. I wanted to convey and express my gratitude as my presidency comes to an end, for the cooperation and commitment they have given to the presidency of hope. More importantly to mention how appreciative the UN is of the outstanding commitment that India has for multilateralism. India is a member of the security council and continues to highlight many of these cherished principles at the UN. I also met the UN country team here who are doing outstanding work in reaching out to the people of India, in assisting the development work. WION: How do you see the geopolitical flashpoints, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, an aggressive China leading to Taiwan strait crisis. How do you see the development, what will you suggest to the global community? Abdulla Shahid: Our total commitment is to multilateralism, peaceful settlement of disputes and cherishing the United Nations Charter because the whole point of creating this organisation, the UN, is to bring these countries together to avoid conflict, avoid war and find a peaceful settlement of disputes. So, wherever you are, whatever disputes you have, you have to be committed to bringing that dispute to the United Nations, peaceful resolutions through the multilateral legal system. WION Now asking you questions in your capacity as the foreign minister of Maldives. How do you see India Maldives ties? We recently saw the visit of President Abdulla Shahid: Outstanding, that is how I will describe the relationship between the Maldives and India. Since President Solih took office on November 17, 2018, and Prime Minister Modi was himself present, the relationship has skyrocketed. The Maldives was the first country Prime Minister Modi visited in his second term. They have met so many times and the cooperation and understanding, at the leadership level, is excellent and that sets the agenda for us, who have to deal with it. Taking into consideration the number of pacts that were signed, ongoing bilateral projects, and the number of visits that have taken place, one word to describe the relationship is outstanding. WION: We have seen elements taking part or supporting anti-India propaganda including by former President Yameen. How do you see it, and do you think that can be curtailed? Abdulla Shahid: It's a program of propaganda being pushed by a group of people who have nothing to offer to the people of Maldives. No economic agenda, no development agenda, or social agenda. So they have to come up with something. So, they are attacking our best friend and closest ally. It is just like shooting down on our own foot. WION: We are witnessing a heating up of the Indian ocean with increased Chinese presence. We saw a Chinese spy vessel docking in Sri Lanka. How does it impact Maldives? Abdulla Shahid: For the Maldives, it's very simple. A stable Maldives is essential for stability and prosperity in the Indian ocean. A stable and prosperous Indian ocean is essential for prosperity in the Maldives. So will do everything and we will work with everyone to maintain stability, peace, and prosperity in the Indian ocean. WION: Questions remain over why the President of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapakse first came to the Maldives. Abdulla Shahid: Obviously, a question that you will have to ask President Rajapakse as to why he chose the Maldives. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Calling for reforms, UNGA President Abdulla Shahid says UN should reflect geopolitical realities

The world affairs were progressing normally till the COVID pandemic and Ukraine-Russian conflict shattered the dynamics of geopolitics. 
&nbsp; 
The pandemic put severe stress on all nations as fingers were pointed at China for the origin of the virus which claimed millions of lives. The subsequent developments led to a shift in geo-politics and led to the demand for UN reforms and more accountability.&nbsp;

China’s aggression on Hong Kong and Taiwan and its border clashes with India further exposed chinks in the world order. India adopted a tough stance that reflected in the Galwan clash and resisted consistent pressure to take sides in the Russia-Ukrainian war and kept abstaining from voting against Russia while reiterating that the war needs to stop.&nbsp;

Strategic readjustments in geopolitics

The deepening partnership between India and the US created a robust power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region to keep a check on China.&nbsp;

Besides, India’s regular engagements with France, Germany, Britain helped it strengthen its ties in the west. 
For a long time, India was seen as a nation with huge consumer base but it is now seen as an influencing power.

The European way

India’s relations with Europe are also undergoing a change and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) will open the gateway to Latvia and the Baltic region and provide seamless connectivity.&nbsp; 
The proposed INSTC crosses Iran (through Chabahar), Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, via central Asia to Russia and then finally to Europe and will double the cargo speed as compared to the current Suez Canal route.&nbsp;

India had been eyeing market in Baltic nations for long but the long sea route had been a hindrance.&nbsp; 
The ongoing greenfield Rail Baltica project will connect the Baltic States to the existing European rail network, by linking Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with Poland and from there with the European rail network, further enhancing trade opportunities and ties.

Besides, India and European nations are collaborating in the field of science and technology, marine research, and artificial intelligence.

West Asia consensus

India also has strategic, economic relations with nations in the Gulf region, including reliance for energy security. Countries in West Asia are diversifying their economies and opening new areas of engagement and India is keen on increasing trade ties.

African axis

India-Africa relations, both economic &amp; cultural, date back to the pre-colonial era and were strengthened during the national independence movement due to the success of M K Gandhi’s non-violent methods.&nbsp; 
India started engaging actively with African nations from 2014 onwards, as a result of which it opened 18 new Indian Missions in Africa.

India had announced a line of credit to finance capacity building, IT education, and higher education projects in African countries.&nbsp;

Indian Navy’s 2021 Maritime Strategy document and the African Union’s 2050 Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS 2050) aim for a free and open Indian ocean for the benefit of all nations and can be a game-changer in the region.

Russia beyond defence

Ties between India and Russia had waned since the USSR split, but in the past two years, both countries set out to correct them and are ramping up economic ties.&nbsp;

The China conundrum 
&nbsp; 
For the last 6-7 years, the Indian Ocean region has been the centre of tussle between India and China. India came up with its necklace of diamonds strategy to counter to counter China’s string of pearls scheme. 
Two-thirds of the world’s oil, a third of the bulk cargo and half of all container traffic travel through IOR, that’s the reason why it’s important to expand India’s reach.&nbsp; 
India wants peace and stability in the Indian Ocean since it is vital for its economic transformation and has been improving relations with Vietnam, Mauritius and other nations in the region to counter the growing Chinese influence.

Island connect

India has also been increasing interaction with island states under Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Pacific Island Forum (PIF) which contribute for more than 40 members at the UN. Their impact on voting in the UN and other multilateral forums draws even major powers to these island states. India has also pledged financial support to each island country and is increasing cultural and people to people connections with these nations.

Under its Neighbourhood First Policy, India has been supplying power to Bangladesh and Nepal while championing a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation electricity grid. Besides, India has been liberal in extending aid to its neighbours whenever required. 
India must work to a well thought out strategy to achieve its well-deserved place in the emerging world order.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

&nbsp;

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The world affairs were progressing normally till the COVID pandemic and Ukraine-Russian conflict shattered the dynamics of geopolitics. The pandemic put severe stress on all nations as fingers were pointed at China for the origin of the virus which claimed millions of lives.

The world affairs were progressing normally till the COVID pandemic and Ukraine-Russian conflict shattered the dynamics of geopolitics. The pandemic put severe stress on all nations as fingers were pointed at China for the origin of the virus which claimed millions of lives. The subsequent developments led to a shift in geo-politics and led to the demand for UN reforms and more accountability. China’s aggression on Hong Kong and Taiwan and its border clashes with India further exposed chinks in the world order. India adopted a tough stance that reflected in the Galwan clash and resisted consistent pressure to take sides in the Russia-Ukrainian war and kept abstaining from voting against Russia while reiterating that the war needs to stop. Strategic readjustments in geopolitics The deepening partnership between India and the US created a robust power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region to keep a check on China. Besides, India’s regular engagements with France, Germany, Britain helped it strengthen its ties in the west. For a long time, India was seen as a nation with huge consumer base but it is now seen as an influencing power. The European way India’s relations with Europe are also undergoing a change and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) will open the gateway to Latvia and the Baltic region and provide seamless connectivity. The proposed INSTC crosses Iran (through Chabahar), Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, via central Asia to Russia and then finally to Europe and will double the cargo speed as compared to the current Suez Canal route. India had been eyeing market in Baltic nations for long but the long sea route had been a hindrance. The ongoing greenfield Rail Baltica project will connect the Baltic States to the existing European rail network, by linking Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania with Poland and from there with the European rail network, further enhancing trade opportunities and ties. Besides, India and European nations are collaborating in the field of science and technology, marine research, and artificial intelligence. West Asia consensus India also has strategic, economic relations with nations in the Gulf region, including reliance for energy security. Countries in West Asia are diversifying their economies and opening new areas of engagement and India is keen on increasing trade ties. African axis India-Africa relations, both economic & cultural, date back to the pre-colonial era and were strengthened during the national independence movement due to the success of M K Gandhi’s non-violent methods. India started engaging actively with African nations from 2014 onwards, as a result of which it opened 18 new Indian Missions in Africa. India had announced a line of credit to finance capacity building, IT education, and higher education projects in African countries. Indian Navy’s 2021 Maritime Strategy document and the African Union’s 2050 Africa Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS 2050) aim for a free and open Indian ocean for the benefit of all nations and can be a game-changer in the region. Russia beyond defence Ties between India and Russia had waned since the USSR split, but in the past two years, both countries set out to correct them and are ramping up economic ties. The China conundrum For the last 6-7 years, the Indian Ocean region has been the centre of tussle between India and China. India came up with its necklace of diamonds strategy to counter to counter China’s string of pearls scheme. Two-thirds of the world’s oil, a third of the bulk cargo and half of all container traffic travel through IOR, that’s the reason why it’s important to expand India’s reach. India wants peace and stability in the Indian Ocean since it is vital for its economic transformation and has been improving relations with Vietnam, Mauritius and other nations in the region to counter the growing Chinese influence. Island connect India has also been increasing interaction with island states under Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Pacific Island Forum (PIF) which contribute for more than 40 members at the UN. Their impact on voting in the UN and other multilateral forums draws even major powers to these island states. India has also pledged financial support to each island country and is increasing cultural and people to people connections with these nations. Under its Neighbourhood First Policy, India has been supplying power to Bangladesh and Nepal while championing a South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation electricity grid. Besides, India has been liberal in extending aid to its neighbours whenever required. India must work to a well thought out strategy to achieve its well-deserved place in the emerging world order. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

India emerging as ‘influencing power’ in new world order

India has slammed China for stalling UN reforms by not allowing the Intergovernmental Negotiations process to have basic rules of procedure and records. Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) is a body of countries within the United Nations working for reforms but its conversations are informal and thus carry no weight.

Without mentioning any name, India's envoy to UN T S Tirumurti said, "The same countries who shed crocodile tears for small and medium states are the same ones denying them even the basic courtesy, which is to help them keep an official record of discussions. What happens here has no record and we start again the next year as if nothing has happened. And of course, we don’t even have a single negotiating text."

Adding, "IGN has become like a platform for debate in a University rather than a serious resulted-oriented process in the United Nations consisting of sovereign Member States."

IGN was formed more than a decade ago with India many times calling for the application of the General Assembly Rules of Procedures on it so that records can be kept and the process can be "open, inclusive and transparent". China, a member of the UNSC has been halting any attempts for application of the rules and move to a single "text-based negotiation."

Tirumurti pointed out, "just a handful of countries don’t want us to proceed. They have stopped the IGN from progressing. They are using the IGN as a smoke-screen to stop themselves from being identified by paying lip-service to Security Council reform."

When it comes to India's membership, China is the only permanent member of the United Nations Security Council that has not voiced any support for it. Rest all, the US, Russia, UK, and France have backed India as a permanent member of the UNSC.

Reiterating New Delhi's position, Tirumurti said, "We believe that the vast majority of member states are, like us, in favour of expansion in both - permanent and non-permanent - categories of membership of the Security Council."

He also extended support to African membership at the high table saying, “let us reaffirm our firm support for the Common African Position, as specified in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration."

Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, both call for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table.

India has slammed China for stalling UN reforms by not allowing the Intergovernmental Negotiations process to have basic rules of procedure and records. Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) is a body of countries within the United Nations working for reforms but its conversations are informal and thus carry no weight.

India has slammed China for stalling UN reforms by not allowing the Intergovernmental Negotiations process to have basic rules of procedure and records. Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) is a body of countries within the United Nations working for reforms but its conversations are informal and thus carry no weight. Without mentioning any name, India's envoy to UN T S Tirumurti said, "The same countries who shed crocodile tears for small and medium states are the same ones denying them even the basic courtesy, which is to help them keep an official record of discussions. What happens here has no record and we start again the next year as if nothing has happened. And of course, we don’t even have a single negotiating text." Adding, "IGN has become like a platform for debate in a University rather than a serious resulted-oriented process in the United Nations consisting of sovereign Member States." IGN was formed more than a decade ago with India many times calling for the application of the General Assembly Rules of Procedures on it so that records can be kept and the process can be "open, inclusive and transparent". China, a member of the UNSC has been halting any attempts for application of the rules and move to a single "text-based negotiation." Tirumurti pointed out, "just a handful of countries don’t want us to proceed. They have stopped the IGN from progressing. They are using the IGN as a smoke-screen to stop themselves from being identified by paying lip-service to Security Council reform." When it comes to India's membership, China is the only permanent member of the United Nations Security Council that has not voiced any support for it. Rest all, the US, Russia, UK, and France have backed India as a permanent member of the UNSC. Reiterating New Delhi's position, Tirumurti said, "We believe that the vast majority of member states are, like us, in favour of expansion in both - permanent and non-permanent - categories of membership of the Security Council." He also extended support to African membership at the high table saying, “let us reaffirm our firm support for the Common African Position, as specified in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration." Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, both call for at least 2 permanent and 5 to 2 non-permanent UNSC seats to be given to African countries at the high table.

India slams China for stalling UN reforms

India, along with other G-4 countries, has called for reflecting the convergences that have emerged so far on issues, including Veto, in the inter-governmental parleys on Security Council reform. 
 
In a statement on behalf of the G4 countries, India&#39;s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, said that a large number of member-states, including the G4, called for incorporation of elements of convergence achieved so far on all five key issues, including the question of Veto, categories of membership and regional representation in a consolidated and streamlined text. 
 
Other G-4 nations are Brazil,Germany and Japan. 
 
&quot;The G-4 would like to reiterate its call for reflecting the convergences that have emerged so far and also to include in the elements paper the divergent positions in the other three key areas,&quot; Akbaruddin said at the Informal Meeting of the General Assembly on the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform here yesterday. 
 
He said the elements paper could complement the framework document and its annex in forming a concrete basis for text based negotiations in the next session of the IGN. 
 
The G-4 has also called for submission of proposals and positions to the framework document and its annex circulated by the letter of President of the 69th session of the General Assembly dated July 2015 by those Groups/Member- States who have not yet submitted their proposals. 
 
&quot;We would like to encourage them again to do so and make positive contributions to the process. Our Group remains open to discuss all options,&quot; he said. 
 
During the last informal IGN meeting in May, Akbaruddin on behalf of the G4 had decried the &quot;out of date&quot; structure of the UN Security Council, saying the problem of &quot;imbalance of influence&quot; in the Council cannot be corrected if only non-permanent members are added to the powerful UN body as part of its reform. Expansion in both categories is essential to achieve equilibrium that reflects current global realities, he said. 
 
The G-4 had called for a consolidated and shortened negotiating text reflecting the convergences and delineated divergent positions that had emerged so far. 
 
On the key issue of regional representation, the G-4 had said it is &quot;untenable&quot; that entire continents such as Africa are not represented or under-represented in the permanent category of the Security Council. 
 
Outlining the G-4&#39;s position on the issue of categories of membership, Akbaruddin had said in the May meeting that it is evident from the positions submitted in the text circulated by former UNGA President in July 2015 that an overwhelming majority of member states support expansion in both categories. 
 
In all, 129 member states out of a total 152 or about around 85 per cent support expansion in both categories. 
 
He had urged the IGN chair to consolidate the names of those in favour of the expansion as well as those proposing additions of 5-6 countries in the permanent category. 
 
(PTI)

India, along with other G-4 countries, has called for reflecting convergences on UN reforms

India, along with other G-4 countries, has called for reflecting the convergences that have emerged so far on issues, including Veto, in the inter-governmental parleys on Security Council reform. In a statement on behalf of the G4 countries, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin, said that a large number of member-states, including the G4, called for incorporation of elements of convergence achieved so far on all five key issues, including the question of Veto, categories of membership and regional representation in a consolidated and streamlined text. Other G-4 nations are Brazil,Germany and Japan. "The G-4 would like to reiterate its call for reflecting the convergences that have emerged so far and also to include in the elements paper the divergent positions in the other three key areas," Akbaruddin said at the Informal Meeting of the General Assembly on the Intergovernmental Negotiations (IGN) on Security Council reform here yesterday. He said the elements paper could complement the framework document and its annex in forming a concrete basis for text based negotiations in the next session of the IGN. The G-4 has also called for submission of proposals and positions to the framework document and its annex circulated by the letter of President of the 69th session of the General Assembly dated July 2015 by those Groups/Member- States who have not yet submitted their proposals. "We would like to encourage them again to do so and make positive contributions to the process. Our Group remains open to discuss all options," he said. During the last informal IGN meeting in May, Akbaruddin on behalf of the G4 had decried the "out of date" structure of the UN Security Council, saying the problem of "imbalance of influence" in the Council cannot be corrected if only non-permanent members are added to the powerful UN body as part of its reform. Expansion in both categories is essential to achieve equilibrium that reflects current global realities, he said. The G-4 had called for a consolidated and shortened negotiating text reflecting the convergences and delineated divergent positions that had emerged so far. On the key issue of regional representation, the G-4 had said it is "untenable" that entire continents such as Africa are not represented or under-represented in the permanent category of the Security Council. Outlining the G-4's position on the issue of categories of membership, Akbaruddin had said in the May meeting that it is evident from the positions submitted in the text circulated by former UNGA President in July 2015 that an overwhelming majority of member states support expansion in both categories. In all, 129 member states out of a total 152 or about around 85 per cent support expansion in both categories. He had urged the IGN chair to consolidate the names of those in favour of the expansion as well as those proposing additions of 5-6 countries in the permanent category. (PTI)

G4 nations call for reflecting convergences on UN reforms

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