Wasn't the UN supposed to be irrelevant by now?
Nations lobby to expand Security Council
By Kim Gamel, Associated Press Writer | September 21, 2004
UNITED NATIONS --Brazil's president called Tuesday for a U.N. Security Council that reflects "today's reality," ahead of a meeting with Japan, India and Germany to press for permanent seats on the powerful body.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva appealed for expanding the 15-nation council in his address to the General Assembly, saying: "The Security Council is the only source of legitimate action in the field of international peace and security."
"But its composition must reflect today's reality -- not perpetuate the post-World War II era."
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, whose country is the second-largest contributor to the United Nations after the United States, was expected to make Japan's case for becoming a permanent council member in his speech later Tuesday.
Koizumi will then host top officials of Brazil, India and Germany -- which all seek permanent seats -- for closed-door talks. No one will represent Africa, because the continent is still debating which country from the vast continent might get a seat if it's made available.
