UNITED NATIONS, April 4: China on Monday called for a consensus in the UN General Assembly for the proposed expansion of the 15-member UN Security Council saying developing countries should be given preference over the developed nations who have staked claims to the permanent seats in the council. Addressing a press conference after assuming the presidency of the UN Security Council, for the month of April, China’s UN ambassador Wang Guangya said that his country supported the reforms package submitted by the UN Secretary-General.

But he declined to lend support to any of the G-4 countries which kicked off a campaign last Thursday to claim permanent seats in the expanded Security Council.

Saying that Beijing will like the regional groups to reach a consensus on the candidates of their choice, Mr Wang said his country would prefer candidates from the developing countries when asked about Japan’s candidacy.

He said that African nations which have been precluded from sitting on the UN Security Council should be given two seats.

Mr Wang’s views gave a boost to the position taken by group of like-minded countries led by Pakistan and Italy who have called for a consensus approach to settle the expansion of the UN Security Council issue.

They are also opposed to giving veto powers to any new members of the Security Council as proposed by the high level panel.

On the question of China’s preference for the new Secretary General to replace Mr. Kofi Annan, Mr Wang said that it was a general consensus that it was Asia’s turn. He said that China would support anyone nominated by the Asian groups at the United Nations.