There shouldn't be discrimination on veto: Japan

Echoing India's view on United Nations reforms, Japan on Friday asserted there should be no discrimination on the issue of veto for new permanent members of the UN Security Council.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan had on Thursday asked permanent membership aspirants not to hope for veto, as the 'Permanent Five' were against it.

The issue of veto came up for discussion during the talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart Junichiro Koizumi, who is on a two-day visit to India, in New Delhi.

India and Japan are part of a four-member group of countries aspiring for a permanent membership.

"The issue of veto is a delicate subject. We are aware of India's position on it," a senior Japanese official accompanying Koizumi told reporters.

Japan's position is very clear that 'there should be no discrimination on the veto issue', the official said.

India is also of the same view.

To a question, the official indicated that Koizumi will seek to impress upon Pakistan to drop its opposition to India's candidature.

The Japanese premier will meet Pakistani leadership on Saturday.

"The PM [Koizumi] will use diplomatic language (to persuade Pakistan not to oppose India's bid for UNSC seat)," the official said.

Japan will ask Pakistan to understand the need for reforms of the United Nations, he added.

Asked whether the G-4, which also includes Germany and Brazil, had consensus on the veto issue, the Japanese official said, "We are not at a stage of consensus. We are still searching for a solution. Comprehensive agreement has not been reached. We are working on it."