UNSC Bid Status: Second Report

For background, click here.

Big news—a coalition of “like minded” nations are joining in a group called “United For Consensus” and oppose any new members of security council (as long as, I’m assuming, they’re not one of the new members). The group supposedly includes 40 nations, but I can’t find a list anywhere. Only the leaders are brave enough to show their faces, and they include Mexico, Argentina, Italy, Pakistan, and South Korea. I have the feeling that not all of those alleged 40 nations will follow through with their opposition when the time comes, but even with the five leading states the world map redens with opposition. From here on out the real diplomatic struggle is in Africa—look at all that unclaimed territory! Only Madagascar and Senegal have backed India—everyone else is keeping quite. . . for now. . .

In other news, be careful how you read the headlines. China backs India (while Pakistan says China eventually won’t back India), all while China is mum on Japan, although one headline misleadingly said “Chinese Oppose Japan Seat.” (Chinese demonstrators and petition signers might, but the government has yet to take a stance.) UN sources say China will not oppose Japan alone—only if other countries oppose the nomination will they join the bandwagon. Senegal backs India. Speculation on whether/when the US will back India can be read here. Japan’s aid offensive continues in the Sudan, where they donate more cash and refuse to send peacekeepers, and are also in the process of sending money elsewhere. Malaysia backs Japan’s bid.

UN Ambassador nomintee John Bolton said Japan’s bid is growing stronger and Kofi Annan gave a speech at the recent Jakarta summit asking African and Asian leaders to back UNSC expansion.

Finally, this was amusing:

A source characterised the differences between the four countries thus: “India quibbles about the veto power, Brazil is irresponsible, Germany is assertive, and Japan is bureaucratic.”

Tell me about it!