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UN transformation proposed to
create 'new world order'
By Andrew Grice in Delhi
21/01/08 "The
Independent" --- Gordon Brown has begun secret
talks with other world leaders on far-reaching reform of the
United Nations Security Council as part of a drive to create a
"new world order" and "global society".
The Prime Minister is drawing up plans to expand the number of
permanent members in a move that will provoke fears that the
veto enjoyed by Britain could be diluted eventually. The United
States, France, Russia and China also have a veto but the number
of members could be doubled to include India, Germany, Japan,
Brazil and one or two African nations.
Mr Brown has discussed a shake-up of a structure created in 1945
to reflect the world's new challenges and power bases during his
four-day trip to China and India. Last night, British sources
revealed "intense discussions" on UN reform were under way and
Mr Brown raised it whenever he met another world leader.
The Prime Minister believes the UN is punching below its weight.
In 2003, it failed to agree on a fresh resolution giving
explicit approval for military action in Iraq. George Bush then
acted unilaterally, winning the support of Tony Blair.
UN reform is highly sensitive and Britain will not yet publish
formal proposals for fear of uniting opponents against them. Mr
Brown is trying to build a consensus for change first.
His aides are adamant that the British veto will not be
negotiated away. One option is for the nations who join not to
have a veto, at least initially. In a speech in Delhi today, the
Prime Minister will say: "I support India's bid for a permanent
place – with others – on an expanded UN Security Council."
However, he is not backing Pakistan's demand for a seat if India
wins one.
Mr Brown will unveil a proposal for the UN to spend £100m a year
on setting up a "rapid reaction force" to stop "failed states"
sliding back into chaos after a peace deal has been reached.
Civilians such as police, administrators, judges and lawyers
would work alongside military peace-keepers. "There is limited
value in military action to end fighting if law and order does
not follow," he will say. "So we must do more to ensure rapid
reconstruction on the ground once conflicts are over – and
combine traditional humanitarian aid and peace-keeping with
stabilisation, recovery and development."
He will call for the World Bank to lead the fight against
climate change as well as poverty in the developing world, and
argue that the International Monetary Fund should prevent crises
like the credit crunch rather than just resolve them.
Arriving in Delhi yesterday, Mr Brown said he wanted a
"partnership of equals" between Britain and India as he called
for closer trade links and co-operation against terrorism. He
announced £825m of aid over the next three years – £500m of
which will be spent on health and education.
Mr Brown is to bring back honorary knighthoods and other awards
for cricketers from Commonwealth countries. He said: "Cricket is
one of the great things that bind the Commonwealth together. It
used to be that great cricketers from the Commonwealth would be
recognised by the British nation I would like to see some of the
great players in the modern era honoured."
Read Andrew Grice atindependent.co.uk/todayinpolitics
Security Council membership
The UN Security Council's membership has remained virtually
unchanged since it first met in 1946.
Great Britain, the United States, the then Soviet Union, China
and France were designated permanent members of the UN's most
powerful body.
Initially, six other countries were elected to serve two-year
spells on the council – in 1946 they were Australia, Brazil,
Egypt, Mexico, the Netherlands and Poland.
The number of elected members, who are chosen to cover all parts
of the globe, was increased to 10 in 1965. They are currently
Belgium, Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, Croatia, Indonesia, Italy,
Libya, Panama, South Africa and Vietnam.
Decisions made by the council require nine "yes" votes out of
15. Each permanent member has a veto over resolutions.
The issue of UN reform has long been on the agenda. One
suggestion is that permanent membership could be expanded to 10
with India, Japan, Germany, Brazil and South Africa taking
places. Any reform requires 128 nations, two-thirds, to support
it in the assembly.
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