United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has unveiled a sweeping reform plan for the world body, including an expansion of the 15-member Security Council.
In a speech to the U.N. General Assembly Monday, Mr. Annan said the cause of worldwide freedom can only be advanced if countries work together to reform the United Nations. His official report recommends restructuring the U.N. human rights commission, settling on a definition of terrorism and agreeing on new rules for authorizing the use of military force.
Mr. Annan said the Security Council should be more representative of today's world. His report recommends expanding the Council to 24 nations, with the possibility of adding six new permanent seats.
The council has had the same five permanent members since 1945. Nations lobbying for permanent seats include India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan.