[JURIST] Japan has declined to join fellow G-4 nations Brazil, Germany and India in their proposal [AP report] to expand membership in the UN Security Council [official website] from 15 to 25 member nations, adding six permanent members and six non-permanent members, and will instead develop a different proposal with US advice [AP report]. Japan joined Brazil's 2004 bid to expand Security Council membership, which was substantially similar to the one submitted by Brazil. Japan, however, expressed concern that Brazil's current proposal would not win the required two-thirds general assembly vote. Although Japan has not yet formally offered a resolution, it is considering proposing expanding membership to 21. A Japanese official said Friday that the country will still consult with G-4 allies on the bid. Japan, the world's second-largest economy and the second-largest UN financial contributor, has argued that Security Council membership has not adapted to the changing international geopolitical power structure. AP has more.

Previously in JURIST's Paper Chase…

• UN Security Council expansion plans likely dead
• Bolton says Security Council expansion unlikely
• Japan to propose new resolution for Security Council bid
• G4 bid to expand UN Council likely crippled by separate AU plan
• African Union rejects G4 proposal for UN Security Council reform
• China, US agree to block Security Council expansion
• African Union seeking agreement on Security Council expansion plan

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