Dear worthy members,

I take this opportunity to put across a very important International development which concerns all of us.

Recently, during the United Nations General Assembly Session, we saw that India, Japan, Germany and Brazil joined hands to put forward their legitimate candidacy for permanent membership in an expanded Security Council. These countries also wanted that Africa too must be represented by a suitable candidate in the permanent membership in the Security Council.

Over the years, it has been said that the Security Council must reflect the realities of the international community in the 21st century. It must be representative, legitimate and effective. Thus it is essential that the Security Council include, on a permanent basis, countries that have the will and capacity to take on major responsibilities with regard to the maintenance of international peace and security. There also has been a nearly four-fold increase in the membership of the United Nations since its inception in 1945, including a sharp increase in the number of developing countries. The Security Council, therefore, must be expanded in both the permanent and non-permanent categories, including developing and developed countries as new permanent members.

While sincerely wishing that the efforts made by these countries are indeed fruitful, I seek the views of our valued CD members and request them to share their thoughts.

Best regards,

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Manan