UN reform talks are currently stalled on the problems of regional representations and categories for assigning veto power.

Many proposals have been presented on the reform table which include, lower, mid, and higher twenties by adding six to eight, nine to 12, and 13 to 14 new members, respectively.

Currently the G4 (India, Brazil, Japan, Germany) are the big contenders for veto power. However, their potential permanent membership is opposed by the Coffee Club now, comprising over 40 nations.

The leaders of this group are Italy, South Korea, Mexico, Argentina and Pakistan. By considering the question of regional representation, African countries are strong in their claim for at least two permanent seats because currently the African continent doesn’t have any permanent seat in the Security Council.

After considering all options, I think this problem can be solved by giving each G4 member-state a permanent seat and one permanent seat should be specified for each continental group.

Each continent will have its own continental group. It will be able to veto any issue if a two-thirds majority of countries of that continent will oppose the issue.

By these reforms, a total of 10 new permanent seats (G4+six from all other continents, excluding Antarctica) will be filled. It also fulfils the mid-twenties option. The problems of regional representation and assignment of veto power will be solved efficiently.

I would like to clear my point by stating one example.

Suppose if the US wants to take military action against any Asian country and if it has the support of all 14 other permanent seats (P5+G4+Continental Group 5), then it will be able to do it.

However, it will not be able to do it if two-thirds of members of the Asian continental group (having one permanent seat) negate the measure. So in this way, the whole world can be included in the veto power pool. SADDAM KHAN Kot Addu
Todays Dawn