The United States on Saturday said it was ready to consider the proposal made by India and three other countries seeking permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council.
The US has so far endorsed only Japan's bid.
In the wake of a draft resolution circulated by India, Brazil, Germany and Japan -- known as G-4 -- calling for an expansion of the UNSC from 15 to 25 members, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said Washington has so far not formulated its decision on the issue.
He said it was imperative to move forward on the basis of a 'broad consensus'.
"As far as the Security Council is concerned, let me remind you, the only nation we have endorsed is Japan. Our support does not indicate support for any particular option and we'll consider the various proposals that are out there, including the so-called 'Group of Four' that's been discussed," he said.
"But we've made no further judgments about who else should or should not be added to the council, nor have we taken a position, pro or con, on any of these specific proposals at this point," he added.
Boucher said the US will discuss various proposals put forward by countries and groups on the issue.
"As we've said, we're talking about all the various proposals that are out there. There are other groups of countries that are putting forth ideas. We'll discuss the proposals with these countries and with others. But at this point, we've not taken a position on any of these particular proposals," he added.
Asked whether the proposal put forward by G-4 should be discussed or debated in the form of a resolution before the UN General Assembly, Boucher said it was for the four countries to decide.
"I think they're in the process of consultations at this point. They haven't formally put anything forward," he said.
Asserting that the goal of any reform in the Security Council has to be to enhance its effectiveness, he reiterated, "We think it's important to move forward on the basis of broad consensus when it comes to the council."
