The Assembly then decided to go for inter-governmental negotiation on specific proposals so as to achieve progress on expansion which is gaining strong support by the day.

Puri questioned the purpose of small group countries for repeatedly using the term "flexibility".

"In reality, the flexibility they espouse is anchored on one real position that is there should be no new permanent members... It is crucial that we institute a robust process of review of the Council as part of reforms that we undertake. Moreover, such a review must be mandatory," he said.

"In this context, we would also look favourably at the concept of periodic reviews, say every 15 years. This would ensure that UNSC continues to reflect realities as prevalent," he added.

But he rejected the intermediate approach as articulated by a "small group of countries" which advocates that the Council be expanded in the non-permanent category initially and issue of expansion in the permanent category is held over until first review which could take place 15 years or so.

However, Puri pointed out that such a proposal does not enjoy the support of 53-member African group and the proposal which has such overwhelming support cannot be "placed at the same level as that supported by one country".

In this context, Puri offered to "engage in discussions on the concept of challenge to permanent members provided the bar for such a challenge is commensurate with and not less than the bar for permanent membership of the Council".

Any real change, Puri said, must involve greater representation for Africa, including in the permanent membership.

... contd.