However, there remains a divergence of views among countries on specific issues, including the scale of the expanded Security Council, handling of the veto, and the means of selecting new permanent members from developing countries. In his address at the UN General Assembly in September, Foreign Minister Koumura stressed that, given the considerable changes in the international situation that have occurred in more than a half-century since the end of World War II, the Security Council, as an organization with the major responsibility for world peace and security, must be strengthened. To this end, he urged the need to reform the composition of both permanent and non-permanent members, and the need for the Security Council itself to be reborn in a manner reflecting the international situation of today. He also reiterated Japan's long-held position that as Security Council reforms are realized, Japan wishes to take further responsibility as a permanent member of the Security Council. In terms of UN finances, although the United States made partial payments at the end of 1999, the United Nations continues to struggle with a severe financial situation stemming from payments in arrears of a number of Member States, including the United States, and other factors.
Reform is therefore necessary for ensuring sound financial foundations.
Given the importance of ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of UN activities, Japan will continue to promote reform in these areas. Japan has furthermore been stressing the need for reform in such areas as facilitating cooperation among UN institutions, promotion of dialogue with Bretton Woods organizations inter alia the World Bank, and wide-ranging participation and coordination with civil society. Further, having established a Human Security Fund at the United Nations, Japan, in cooperation with NGOs, has been supporting projects implemented by international organizations that directly benefit local inhabitants, including the socially vulnerable.