Calls for U.N. Security Council reform

UNITED NATIONS, July 23 (UPI) -- Turkish officials are calling on the U.N. Security Council to enact reforms to better address threats to security around the world.

Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan met with U.N. General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim Tuesday at U.N. headquarters in New York to discuss institutional reforms, the United Nations reported.

During the meeting, officials say, Kerim briefed Babacan on the status of reform consultations. In a statement Babacan said Turkey wants to play an active role in the reform process.

In May, Kerim and Babacan held a similar meeting in Turkey to discuss reform on the U.N. Security Council. Babacan has said any reform "must be part of overall institutional reform of the United Nations," the release said.

Officials say Kerim and Babacan came to an agreement that reform was crucial for a more effective response from the United Nations to handle global threats to "peace and security and emerging challenges such as the food and energy crises caused by soaring prices," the release said.