ASEAN backs Japan's bid for permanent UN Security Council seat

ASEAN backs Japan's bid for permanent UN Security Council seat

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders on Tuesday backed Japan's bid to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, an official said.

ASEAN gave its support during a meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and his counterparts from the 10- member regional grouping on the final day of an ASEAN summit in Laos.

A Southeast Asian foreign ministry official who did not want to be identified said Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told the meeting Japan was "well placed" to seek a seat in the Security Council and that ASEAN was giving its support.

Abdullah also expressed hope Japan would continue its role in talks to resolve the nuclear weapons crisis on the Korean Peninsula and remain engaged in the reconstruction of Iraq.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra also said Thailand "fully supports" Japan's bid for the Security Council seat, the official said.

Yong Chanthalangsy, the summit's spokesman, said Japan's candidacy had the support of "most ASEAN leaders". He did not elaborate.

Japan, the second biggest financial contributor to the United Nations, has long campaigned for a permanent Security Council seat and has won the backing of the United States.

The council's five permanent members with the right to veto are the powers which emerged as victors after World War II -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.

Japan wants to increase the number of permanent members to include itself, Germany, India and Brazil.

The four have said a major African nation should also be given a permanent place. Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa have all asked to be considered. -- AFP