New Delhi: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Saturday backed India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He
opposed additional permanent seats for Western countries and called for greater representation from Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Lavrov singled out Germany and Japan while setting out Russia’s position.
“UN Security Council reform cannot involve any additional seats being allocated to Western countries, especially to Germany and Japan, who are now on the path to militarism and revanchism,” Lavrov said.
“We are in favour of broadening the representation of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We support Brazil’s and India’s candidatures for a permanent seat,” he added. Lavrov said the reform process must also address Africa’s interests.
Mauritius backs India’s bid
Mauritian Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful voiced support for the G4 and L69 positions on Council reform. He linked India’s claim to its role in international affairs.
“We support the positions of the G4 and of L69 on Council reform, and we reiterate our support for India’s candidature for a permanent seat, commensurate with its constructive role in global affairs,” Ramful said.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro also called for structural reform. He sought a more representative Council with permanent seats for Africa, Brazil and India.
Japan receives separate support
The Marshall Islands took a different position on Japan, which Lavrov had opposed. President Hilda Heine said, “The Marshall Islands affirms its longstanding support for Japan and its G4 partners to achieve permanent membership on the UN Security Council.”
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called for more seats in both the permanent and non-permanent categories. She said the Council should reflect current global realities.
African leaders seek representation
Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio said the Council still reflected the world of 1945. He pointed out that Africa has more than 1.6 billion people but no permanent seat. Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama said reform was necessary to protect the UN’s legitimacy and credibility.
The UNSC has five veto-holding permanent members: China, France, Russia, the UK and the US. Ten other members serve two-year terms. A change to the UN Charter needs a two-thirds majority in the General Assembly and ratification by two-thirds of UN members, including all five permanent members.
