I think that, especially among conservatives, there's a clear understanding that there are three legs to the conservative stool. There are the free-market economics conservatives, the social conservatives, and the national-security conservatives.

The debate in this chamber in July only highlighted deep divisions among member states and paralyzed the overall reform effort. We believe it would be a mistake to return to that discussion.

We had a general discussion about the subject of the next secretary-general, which is part of our ongoing consultations among the five permanent members. But that's all really I can say.

We certainly are hoping for unanimity among the five permanent members. But unanimity or not, we are prepared to move forward.