G4 resolution will be put to vote

The resolution by India and three other countries seeking permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council will be put to vote in spite of opposition from the United States, but a final decision will be taken after Sunday's meeting of their foreign ministers with counterparts from Africa, diplomats have said.

"Absolutely," Indian UN Ambassador Nirupam Sen told reporters when asked if the G4 comprising India, Japan, Germany and Brazil would seek a vote despite strong opposition from the US on their proposals.

Talking to reporters after the G-4's discussions with Nigerian Foreign Minister Oluyemi Adeniji, he was however non-committal on whether G-4 and the 53-member African Union plan to present a joint resolution.

But ambassadors expressed confidence that G-4 and AU would be able to reconcile their differences and reach an agreement. Differences remain between the two groups on veto right and African Union's demand for one extra seat in non-permanent category.

The G-4 and AU foreign ministers are due to discuss the issue at a working lunch on Sunday. External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh will leave for Washington to join Prime Minister Manmohan Singh immediately after the talks, expected last over three hours.

Meanwhile, the African Union plans to introduce on Monday its resolution in the United Nations General Assembly, which seeks two permanent and two more non-permanent seats for Africa in an expanded Security Council.

The G-4 resolution provides for two permanent seats and one more non-permanent seat for the region.

The main difference is on veto. AU demands it for new permanent members immediately but the G-4 accept the principle but are ready to defer its exercise by new permanent members for 15 years when the assembly would revisit the issue.

Germany's UN Ambassador Gunter Pleuger said a decision on vote would be taken at Sunday's meeting and asserted that there is a "good chance" of G-4 and Africans finding a common ground, which would also be acceptable to countries, which have cosponsored the G-4 draft.