A day after Crown Prince Sultan called for putting restrictions on the use of veto power by the permanent members of the UN Security Council, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono called for a Security Council that reflects the realities of a changing world, with more Asian seats. He also demanded an end to the veto power of the big five. Yudhoyonoâs comments added to demands by developing countries for a bigger voice in the world body, now dominated by the United States and its fellow permanent Security Council members â Russia, China, Britain and France.
Saying that he spoke for 4.5 billion people in Asia and Africa, the Indonesian leader said UN reforms under consideration should make the world body more democratic. âWe need a reformed Security Council with a membership that is reflective of global realities. The Asia-Pacific region, home to more than half the human race and cradle of ancient civilizations and religions, should have more seats on the council,â Yudhoyono said. In addition, he said, âWe must do away with the right of veto, which often paralyzes the Council.â |