Antony Blinken Reiterates Permanent UN SC Seat For India, Japan, Germany, Africa

By Deepak Arora

UNITED NATIONS, Sept 23: Reiterating support for the reformation of the United Nations Security Council to better represent the world, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the United States has long endorsed permanent seats in the council for India, Japan and Germany.

Speaking at the 'Summit of the Future' at the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Blinken put forward the US' idea of two permanent seats for Africa, one rotating seat for Small Island Developing States, and permanent representation for Latin America and the Caribbean.

"Reforming the UN Security Council to better represent the developing world and, more broadly, the world as it is today. The United States believes that this should include two permanent seats for Africa, one rotating seat for Small Island Developing States, and permanent representation for Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to the permanent seats for countries, we've long endorsed Germany, Japan, and India," he said.

"The United States supports starting negotiations on Council reforms immediately," he added.

Blinken conveyed the US's commitment to adapting the UN system to reflect the current geopolitical situation driving the world, which didn't exist back in 1945. However, he resolutely opposed to any revision of any reformers, which could alter the core principle of the UN Charter.

"The United States is committed to adapting the UN system to reflect this world of today and tomorrow--not the one that existed in 1945 but we are and we will remain resolutely opposed to revisionism. We will not accept efforts to tear down, dilute, or fundamentally alter the core principle of the UN Charter," Blinken further said.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is composed of 15 member states, including five permanent members with veto power and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

The five permanent members of the UNSC include China, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and the United States. The non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council are elected for 2-year terms by the UNGA.