Annan calls for reform and expansion of UNSC

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Friday called for expansion of the 15-member Security Council to give it legitimacy.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Friday called for expansion of the 15-member Security Council to give it legitimacy, warning that "perception of a narrow base" risks an "erosion" of the world body's authority.

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"The Security Council must reform - for the sake of the developing world and for the sake of United Nations itself," he told the world leaders attending the Non-aligned summit in Havana.

"The perception of a narrow power-base risks leading to an erosion of the UN's authority and legitimacy - even, some would argue, its neutrality and independence," he said.

The "democracy deficit" in the Council must be removed, he said, adding that even its neutrality and independence is being questioned by some.

India is a strong contender for a permanent seat in an expanded Council.

The Council currently as 15 members, including five permanent and 10 non-permanent who are elected for a two-year term.

The permanent members, who have veto, include the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China.