In a joint press conference with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder Sunday, Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf said his country will not support expanded membership of the UN Security Council [official website]. Musharraf stated that increasing the number of permanent members on the council "is against the democratic consideration of the sovereign equality of nations."

The two leaders met to discuss Pakistan's efforts to reach a peaceful resolution to its ongoing disputes with India, and to finalize an agreement to fund development of a Pakistani hydropower project. Musharraf made similar comments on the Security Council in a meeting earlier this month with Italian leader Silvio Berlusconi. India is one of the countries often mentioned as a likely candidate for a permanent Security Council seat if the Council is expanded. From Pakistan, the Daily Times has more on the press conference.