Trouble for Annan's UN Reforms

Fire of Liberty

According to this article in The Financial Times, some six nations in the UN, which include Italy, South Korea, Pakistan, Argentina, Mexico and China have formed a new coalition known as United for Consensus and have called for the rejection of Model A. For those not up on this model, it was basically a proposal to expand the UN Security Council from a five member permanent council to some eleven permanent seats by adding Japan, India, Brazil, Germany, and two African states. While this grouping of nations can argue that the plans aren't drawn out fairly or needs an overwhelming concensus of the member states, you can also sense an atmosphere of hostility specifically directed at Japan and India. The general ill disposition to Japan is clearly emanating from South Korea and China, who are drudging up the past activities of the military dictatorship of Japan during the 30's and 40's. While it's true that the Japanese put the people of Korea and China through a living hell during these decades, the government of Japan is far removed from this horrible era. They're a pacifistic nation who is one of the biggest donors of UN aid not to mention their decades long contributions to aid and development into China and South Korea. As for India, the chief opponent is generally Pakistan (Been opposed to India since partition in 47) followed by Mexico who is generally fearful of India digging into their job market of manufacturing products like TV's, computers and other products.

I guess that these nations feel that they're comfortable with the status quo arrangement in the Security Council that has been in affect since its inception but its current formulation is behind the ever changing geo-political environment of post September 11th World. It's time for the UN Security Council to get with the times, at least in this instance. The only other reason for such an opposition could be the fact that Japan & India have developed such strong bonds with the US these past four years. It's hell to be so liked in this World.