MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Sixty Seven Counties at UN General Assembly.

Peace and world security, sustainable growth and the reform of the United Nations will be priorities at the 59th General Assembly which has been inaugurated in New York by its president Jean Ping.

At the request of General Secretary Koffi Annan a group of experts will analyse different proposals to reform the UN, among them extending the number of countries who are members of the Security Council. Countries hoping for a permanent position are Brazil, Germany and Japan.

Later this week the Assembly agenda will be organised and Annan will give his report. On December 21st the General Debate will take place, to which this year 67 presidents, 27 prime ministers and 80 foreign ministers are expected.