UNITED NATIONS, June 22 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States on Wednesday unveiled its seven priorities for the United Nations reforms, including establishing a human rights council and setting the definition of terrorism.

    In a speech delivered at an informal General Assembly debate, US Ambassador to the UN Anne Patterson called for the reform of the UN Security Council, saying the US government is open to an increase of permanent seats.

    But the council reform is not among the seven priorities listed by Patterson.

    "UN reform must be viewed and dealt with as a whole," she stressed. "Thus, and I must emphasize this point, reform of the Security Council cannot become the exclusive focus of attention by member states or the Secretariat."

    Other areas the United States identified as priorities for reform are economic development, management of the UN Secretariat,creation of a democracy fund, recognition of responsibility to protect, and non-proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

    Patterson reiterated US strong support for Japan's bid for a permanent seat on the enlarged Security Council. "We continue to support Japan for a permanent seat; with its significant contributions to all aspects of the UN, Japan has clearly earned it," she said.

    Japan, Brazil, Germany and India, known as the G4, announced earlier in the day in Brussels that they would continue to press ahead with their campaign for permanent council seats and would push for a vote on their proposal for the council expansion in July.

    Patterson also listed a series of criteria for the selection ofnew council members, which include GDP, population, military capacity, contribution to peacekeeping, non-proliferation and counter-terrorism.

    "Candidates for the UNSC should be supremely well qualified andshould meet these criteria," she said.

    "On the basis of such criteria, we would consider supporting the addition of two or so new permanent members and two or three additional non-permanent seats, allocated by region, to expand the council to 19 to 20." Enditem