France’s Sarkozy backs permanent seat for Africa on UN Security Council

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

January 31, 2011 (ADDIS ABABA) – French President Nicolas Sarkozy has urged UN chief Ban Ki-moon to reform the international body’s Security Council this year, stressing immediate action should be to taken to make African countries permanent members.

France is permanent member of the influential council along with China, Russia, United Kingdom and United States.

Delivering a speech at an African Union summit in Ethiopia on Sunday, Sarkozy said “Africa has not occupied the rightful place at international forums”. He noted that as Africa is a home to over one billion people it is entitled to have a permanent seat in the UN.

“I have long been convinced that Africa does not have the place it deserves in world governance,” he said adding that reform of the UN Security Council should come as early as this year.

Sarkozy said the time has come for Africa to set aside the prejudice and misconception it is subjected to.

The French leader who was summit’s guest of honor outlined his plans for the upcoming G8 and G20 meetings, saying that development aid and transparency in markets of primary products, particularly agricultural would be on the agenda.

At the opening ceremony AU chairman Bingu wa Mutharika praised Nicolas Sarkozy saying he is a “true friend of Africa” and hoped for a strong partnership between Africa and the G8, which Frances currently chairs.

Sarkozy said the continents economic growth was promising: “Africa has not failed and has scored remarkable growth. It is displaying a profound change”.

“Africa’s failure is our failure and its success is our achievement,” he said.

The French leader’s backing for Africa to have permanent seat on the Security Council was warmly welcomed and brought loud applause from delegates at the AU summit in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security.

The Security Council remains unchanged since its membership expanded from 11 to 15 nations in 1963. Five permanent members China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States hold veto power. The other 10 members are elected to serve for two-year terms and have no power to veto decisions by the council.

(ST)