United Nations, Jan 30 (NationPress) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has highlighted that Asia's representation among the permanent members of the Security Council is inadequate, and this disparity must be addressed.

During a press briefing on Friday (India time) focused on his objectives for the year, he advocated for a reform of the Council, emphasizing that the core of the peace and security framework resides within the UN.

Although he cannot dictate the specifics of a reformed Council as secretary-general, Guterres expressed his belief that Africa and Latin America should also have permanent representation in the Security Council.

“It is evident that Asia is underrepresented, and a rebalancing of this representation is necessary,” he stated.

India, which has sought permanent membership, has endorsed reform in this direction, with widespread backing from UN member nations.

Guterres criticized those hindering the reform process.

“It is intriguing that those who criticize the UN for its ineffectiveness are often the same ones opposing Security Council reform,” he remarked.

“This is why the UN sometimes struggles to be as effective as desired,” he added.

He refrained from identifying the parties obstructing the reforms.

A small coalition of countries, known as Uniting for Consensus, led by Italy and including Pakistan, has stalled the reform process for over a decade by resisting the adoption of a negotiating framework.

Without such a framework to outline the agenda and monitor progress, negotiations have effectively come to a standstill.

Guterres also expressed support for imposing limitations on the veto powers of permanent members, which have been significant barriers to the Council's responsiveness on various urgent issues.

“I view with great interest initiatives proposed by two permanent members aimed at restricting the use of the veto,” he commented, referring to proposals from France and Britain.

Under their proposal, vetoes would be limited “in situations of genocide or severe crimes against humanity,” he noted.

“These are the directions I hope the international community will unite around to achieve a reformed Security Council,” he added.

When questioned about the Board of Peace established by Donald Trump in Gaza and its development with the Council's approval, which he now seeks to expand, some view as a challenge to the UN.

“The Security Council uniquely holds the Charter-mandated authority to act on behalf of all members regarding peace and security issues,” Guterres stated.

“Only the Security Council can make binding decisions for all, and no other entity or temporary coalition can legally compel all Member States to adhere to peace and security decisions,” he concluded.