London, 7/15/2003 ( Agência Brasil - Abr) - The inclusion of new permanent members on the UN Security Council, among them Brazil, as part of a UN reform, is now seen by the Brazilian government as an idea that has a growing international concensus. According to minister of Foreign Relations, Celso Amorim, the recent expression of support by England for a Brazilian presence on the council is a sign of that country's willingness to work for a broad reform of the international organization. Other countries, such as France, Russia and Germany, have also supported permanent membership on the Security Council for Brazil.

Following a meeting with British Foreign Minister, Jack Straw, on Monday, Amorim declined to comment on the announced support. "This is not an occasion for explanations. This is a time to just give thanks," said Amorim.

After journalists insisted, Amorim affirmed that Brazil and the United Kingdom "have concepts regarding UN reforms that are very similar." But he added that the reforms will depend on political will. The UN reform movement has been underway for a decade, he said. Now it is time for leaders to exercise leadership and get it moving again, the minister explained.

With regard to giving new members of the Security Council veto powers, Amorim admitted the issue was complicated. "We are realists. We know it will not be possible to take anyone's veto away. If we try to do that, they will veto the reform," said the minister. (AB)