Security Council reform is not "formally" on the agenda of the 15-member body, US envoy for United Nations has said, within a month after President Barack Obama endorsed India's bid for a permanent seat in the prestigious slot.
"I think as many know, the intergovernmental negotiations on Security Council reform are ongoing. They occur in the General Assembly. We participate actively in them. And it's not an issue that is formally on the Security Council's agenda. This month or in any recent month," Susan Rice, US Ambassador to UN, told reporters at the UN headquarters in New York.
She, however, said US continues to support "modest" expansion of the Security Council and backs India and Japan in their quest for permanent membership.
"President Obama, during his trip to Asia, stated the US believes that in the context of Security Council reform, when it is achieved, that, as we've always said-first of all, we support a modest expansion of non-permanent and permanent members," Rice, who is the president of UNSC for this month, said. The 15-membered body rotates the presidency of the body on monthly basis.
"As we contemplate potential new permanent members, the President stressed the United States' support for India and Japan as new permanent members. And he said as much in both capitals," she said, while replying to queries on whether UNSC reform would be on the Council's agenda for December.
During his India tour in early November, Obama had endorsed India's bid for permanent seat in the Security Council.
