The UN Security Council question overshadows the Obama visit

The Brazilian government is in a state of anxiety. One question overshadows president Barack Obama’s visit: will he or will he not come out publicly in favor of a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for Brazil? Some Brazilian authorities have said that the answer will determine whether the visit is considered a success or a failure. It is that important.

At the moment, two of the five permanent, veto-wielding members of the Security Council, France and England, have come out in favor of reform and a permanent seat for Brazil. So far, China and Russia have not expressed much enthusiasm for the matter, although the United States did nominate India for a permanent seat a few months ago.

Brazilian Foreign Minister, Antonio Patriota, says he believes the US will give a favorable reply to the question.
“An expression of support for Brazil will not make any sort of dramatic difference in the situation. Reform at the United Nations will involve approval by two-thirds of the 191-country members of the General Assembly, as well as ratification by the permanent members of the Security Council. But a favorable position of the US will be significant,” declared Patriota.

Brazil is in favor of expanding membership in the Security Council from 15 (five permanent and ten rotating members) to 25 (where the number of permanent seats would be increased by six – two for Africa, two for Asia, one for the Americas and one more for Europe). Non-permanent or rotating seats would include one each for the regions of Africa, East Europe, Asia and Latin America.

This week, on March 17, the UN Security Council approved military action against Libya. Five countries abstained in the vote – including China, Russia and Brazil.