11.   But nations such as Italy strongly oppose any change that would freeze them out of permanent membership.

12.   Citing severe cash shortages, the board of the University of the Virgin Islands voted Sunday against permanent membership in the top U.S. intercollegiate sports association.

13.   Currently Britain, the United States, Russia, China and France are the only countries with permanent membership.

14.   France and Britain also have endorsed permanent membership for Germany and Japan because of their economic clout.

15.   Germany, Japan, Brazil and India have offered themselves for permanent membership of an expanded council.

16.   Germany also is considered a leading candidate for permanent membership.

17.   Germany, along with Japan, long has lobbied for permanent membership in the council.

18.   Germany and Japan are pushing for permanent membership of the council, despite strong objections from Italy.

19.   He mentioned another former Portuguese colony, Brazil, as a possible candidate for permanent membership of a reformed and expanded council.

20.   India began lobbying for a permanent membership amid talks that the United Nations could expand its security council.