Kofi Annan puts on an Umpire cap

Aiming to reach a consensus on UNSC expansion, the UN Gen Sec will play referee in the G4-Coffee Club meet.

In an effort to bring about a compromise on the issue of expansion of the UN Security Council, Secretary General Kofi Annan has called a joint meeting on Monday of G-4 countries, including India, and another group led by Pakistan and Italy.

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Annan, diplomats say, apparently decided to call the joint meeting of the 'Group of Four' (G-4), comprising India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, which are seeking permanent membership of the Council, and the 'Uniting for Consensus' (UFC), led by Pakistan and Italy, after UFC sought his intervention to bring about a compromise.

But it was unclear whether UFC would be flexible on its demand that there should be no expansion in the permanent membership of the Council.

Major concession by one of the groups would be needed for Annan's efforts to succeed as fundamental differences exist between them with G-4 seeking expansion in both permanent and non-permanent categories and UFC in non-permanent category only.

UFC Envoys met Annan on Friday and diplomats said they complained that G-4 countries are using his name to promote their viewpoint.

UFC envoys were apparently referring to Annan's remarks that consensus is preferable but should not be used to block the expansion of the 15-member Council. The G-4 also advocates similar position but the UFC wants expansion to take place only on the basis of consensus.