Sri Lanka, Oct. 28 -- The United Nations Security Council, whose members often hold conflicting views, has become "ineffective" in addressing many of the world's crises, said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

Reiterating his call for reform, the UN chief said the council's five permanent members have used their veto powers to serve their own interests, which has eroded the global intergovernmental organisation's credibility.

He said the core challenge lies in the deep rifts among the world powers that make up the UN's primary body for maintaining international peace and security.

"It is true that the Security Council is largely paralysed in relation to key issues . and the reason is divisions among superpowers," he said.

"People sho...