JOHANNESBURG, Sept. 8 (Xinhuanet) -- The issue of veto rights for new permanent members of the United Nations Security Council is still very much under negotiation, South African President Thabo Mbeki said on Thursday.

    Replying to questions in the National Assembly in Cape Town, hesaid it was unlikely that the upcoming UN General Assembly and leaders' summit would result in the restructuring of the world body, including its security council.

    It was clear that many member states of the council wanted morediscussion on the issue, he said, adding that "We would have preferred that these matters should be resolved at the forthcominggeneral assembly, but, as I say, if I would hazard a guess, it's not likely."

    South Africa would probably have to agree to more time being given to the reform process, but the president hoped a decision could be made, specifically about the processes to be followed to come up with a result.

    The African continent's position was that the power of veto be abolished for everybody and the security council operate without it.

    But, to the extent that some permanent members continued to have the veto, it would only be fair that any additional permanentmembers should enjoy the same rights.

    "It would not be correct, that there should be, in a sense, a two-tier system within the group of countries that will be permanent members," Mbeki noted.

    "But of course I'm quite certain that the continent is aware ofthe fact that it is under negotiation. I do not believe that the approach will be that we are making a demand and if this demand isnot met we walk away and go home," he added.

    "It has to be a process of engagement; it's got to be a processof negotiation. This is what will require more time."

    Generally, he said, there had been an acceptance of the need toexpand the Security Council, which would include an expansion of the permanent membership, and that the African continent would be entitled to membership.

    The special panel set up to look into the issue recommended that Africa should get two permanent seats on the council.

    "But the matter of veto, I think it becomes part of the processof negotiations," Mbeki said. Enditem