Pretoria - French President Nicolas Sarkozy has called for the reform the UN Security Council, stressing immediate action should be taken to make African countries permanent members.
Reiterating its stance on the matter, France - which is one of the five permanent members with veto power at the Security Council - called for expansion of the international body's membership.
Speaking at a media briefing attended by President Jacob Zuma - who is on a state visit in France - Sarkozy said Africa has not occupied its rightful place at international for a.
He noted that as Africa is a home to over one billion people, it was entitled to have a permanent seat in the UN.
Without mincing his words, Sarkozy said it was "scandalous" for Africa not be to represented on the Security Council.
The council remains unchanged since its membership expanded from 11 to 15 nations in 1963. Five permanent members - China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States - hold veto power. The other 10 members are elected to serve for two-year terms and have no power to veto decisions by the council.
Sarkozy is hosting Zuma, who is in France for a two-day visit aimed at strengthen bilateral ties, particular in cooperation concerning development and security, as well as multilateral dialogues within G20 framework. - BuaNews
