Washington proposed June 16 expanding the number of permanent seats on the council from five to seven, with one for Japan.

The U.S. plan, however, would water down the agenda of the so-called Group of Four -- Japan, Germany, India and Brazil -- which wants six new permanent seats for a total of 11.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said June 17 that Tokyo would not back the U.S. proposal.

"It is good for Japan, but not for other nations of the G-4," Koizumi said. "The G-4 countries have to cooperate with each other and stand united."

Koizumi's remarks apparently reflect growing suspicions within the government that the United States is trying to drive a wedge between Japan and the rest of the G-4 to slow international momentum toward UNSC expansion.

The Japan Times Weekly: June 25, 2005
(C) All rights reserved