UNITED NATIONS, Aug 11: Acknowledging that the UN Security Council reforms have hit a major roadblock, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Wednesday expressed hope that the issue could be resolved by December.

“If they are not able to resolve it before the summit, the issue is not going to die. They will have to pursue it and I hope resolve it before we all go away for Christmas,” Mr Annan told reporters after a luncheon with Security Council members.

Mr Annan pushed for expansion of the 15-member council in March, arguing that it reflects the balance of power in 1945 and had wanted a deal by September, when world leaders are to approve new approaches to development, security, human rights and UN management in the 21st century.

“From my discussions, the vast majority of the members of this organization want to see a Security Council reform. They are still in favour of the Security Council reform. The debate is over what kind of reform, what kind of option, what kind of formula,” Mr Annan observed.

The issue is the most contentious in the United Nations, with countries in each region opposing leading contenders to try to get their own chance to sit on the council, which decides on matters of war and peace, sanctions and peacekeepers.

The momentum for change suffered major setback last week after the 53-member African Union refused to join forces with Japan, Germany, Brazil and India’s bid for permanent council seats.