41.   Africa has no permanent council seat.

42.   All Contact Group members except Germany and Italy hold permanent Security Council seats.

43.   Ambassador Gerardo Martinez Blanco of Honduras, speaking for Central American members, said permanent seats should gradually be eliminated.

44.   And Japan would like a permanent Security Council seat in the bargain.

45.   Annan has insisted, however, that Japan and Germany will get permanent seats only if developing countries also are given permanent positions on the council.

46.   Angolan Foreign Minister Venancio de Moura called for two permanent seats on the Security Council for Africa.

47.   Arab diplomats say they will offer their own plan guaranteeing them a permanent seat.

48.   Annan has insisted, however, that Japan and Germany will get permanent seats only if developing countries are also given permanent spots on the council.

49.   Annan told Japanese government officials Monday that the chances were strong that Japan would be granted a permanent seat in an expanded Security Council.

50.   Both countries hold permanent seats on the council and can veto council decisions.