Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Friday made Japan's pitch for permanent membership on the U.N. Security Council, saying the nonnuclear country that has suffered the devastation of atomic bombings deserves a seat on the council in the 21st century.
In his speech to the general debate session of the U.N. General Assembly, Kan expressed Japan's resolve to play a more responsible role for the peace and security of the international community.
The prime minister said reform of the most powerful decision-making body at the United Nations is "indispensable" so that it can reflect the realities of today's international community and remain effective and legitimate.
Kan said Japan "has the moral responsibility to take concrete steps to realize a world without nuclear weapons" since it is the only country in the world that has suffered nuclear attacks.