 U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, who will visit Japan from Dec 9-12, suggested Wednesday that Japan should not link its financial contribution to its efforts to secure a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council, while acknowledging its high financial contribution. "But of course, it's not a direct sort of linkage between the contribution and membership of the council, although we do indicate that to be a member of the council you must be able to make contributions to the organization," he said. Annan emphasized that council members are also expected to fulfill their duties by supplying peacekeeping forces, as well participating in diplomatic initiatives, in addition to making financial contributions. |