Ever since its humiliation in Somalia in 1993 and bitter argument over Bosnia two years later, Washington has been reluctant to take part in UN operations. The British recommendations, jointly formulated by the ruling Labour Party and the opposition Liberal Democrats, have come under fire from both Left and Right in Britain. Mr Tony Benn, the veteran left-wing MP, said the move represented a secretly negotiated policy that was never reported to Parliament. Britain is also proposing that Germany and Japan should have permanent Security Council seats, alongside the existing five member countries. Under its plan, there would also be a permanent slot for one representative each from Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Sceptics point to potential problems.
South Asian rivals India and Pakistan, for example, would do everything possible to block permanent status for the other. In addition, the proposals call for a further four non-permanent members, making a total of 24 council members. Non-permanent members are elected annually. All members have an equal vote, but permanent members also have a right of veto. This material is subject to copyright and any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.