Washington to back Italy’s quest for Security Council seat

The US appears poised to
back Italy against Germany over the proposed enlargement of
the UN Security Council. 

“We don’t forget
our friends,” declared US Secretary of State Colin
Powell in a speech in Washington in connection with the
planned expansion of the UN Security Council.
Powell’s reference was to Italy, which has been a
staunch supporter of, and the third biggest contributor
to, the US-led war in Iraq, and whose quest for permanent
Security Council membership will receive “every
consideration” from the
US.    

Meanwhile, Germany – a
strong opponent of Washington’s Iraq policies – is
also campaigning hard to obtain such status. However,
Italy has its sights set on a seat for itself as well as
an EU seat on the Council and therefore considers the
German bid “divisive”. “It’s not Italy
against Germany,” said Italy’s Foreign Minister
Franco Frattini. “It’s Italy for Europe. We are
working for Europe against national
interests.” 

Currently the US, Britain,
China, France and Russia hold permanent seats on the
Security Council. Japan, Brazil, India, Egypt Nigeria and
South Africa also wish to join as permanent members. On
15 October, Argentina, Denmark, Greece, Japan and
Tanzania won two-year rotating non-permanent seats on the
Council. Algeria, Benin, Brazil, the Philippines and
Romania have held this status since January
2004. 

The UN will turn 60 in 2005 and there is
growing pressure to enlarge its most powerful body,
the Security Council.

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