Igor Ivanov on Possible UN Security Council Reform

A UN Security Council session involving heads of state might be held after the Iraqi crisis, Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said here today, as he addressed a session of the foreign-and-defense policy council.

France's Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin suggested some time ago that a UNSC session at the level of heads of state take place. According to Ivanov, Villepin's idea was not supported because that session was to have examined the Iraqi problem, and it would have changed nothing.

At the same time, it was noted that such a UNSC session would be held after the solution of the Iraqi problem. Quite possibly, this session will facilitate a UN reform, Ivanov said.

The Minister reminded those present about Russia's proposals for overhauling the UN. Among other things, Moscow suggests that the UNSC include five other permanent members, such as Germany, Japan, as well as one Asian country, one African country and one American country. (Russia suggested that India become a permanent UNSC member -- Ed.) According to Ivanov, Europe is divided on this proposal because Italy and Spain both claimed the right to be represented in the UNSC. Consequently, there exists a pretext for this discussion, Ivanov added.

Meanwhile the UNSC can't be overhauled in the near future, Ivanov believes.