UNITED NATIONS, July 6: As the Group of 4 (G-4) comprising Japan, Germany, India and Brazil called for a debate in the UN General Assembly for consideration of their framework resolution on the expansion of the 15-member UN Security Council, diplomats here warned that the push by the group could prove to be divisive and could backfire.

Alarmed at the African Union’s decision to submit a separate proposal on the expansion of the UN Security Council, the G-4 aspirants for the permanent seats announced on Tuesday that they would submit their resolution at the UN General Assembly session on Monday.

Making the announcement on behalf of the G-4 following a hurriedly-called meeting of co-sponsors at the German Mission, Indian Ambassador Nirupam Sen said there would be a debate on the resolution in the General Assembly on Monday. However, many diplomats here cautioned that the G-4s sudden decision about debate on their framework resolution could backfire as 53-member African Union and those who support the Uniting for Consensus group will not vote for such a resolution.

“It is rather selfish of the G-4 to push for the expansion of the Security Council alone when there are several other pressing UN reform issues which are on agenda,” he said.