The president of the UN General Assembly, Csaba Korosi, is stressing the need to reform the UN Security Council and expressed hope Japan will play a mediating role in the effort.

Korosi, who is a Hungarian diplomat, made the remarks in an interview with NHK in Tokyo on Friday.

On Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Korosi said too many lives have been lost and too much destruction has occurred. He said the war must end as soon as possible, adding that it should not have started.

As for the Security Council, he said it is paralyzed because one permanent member, which has veto power, does not allow the body to discharge its function to maintain world peace and security.

Korosi stressed that reform of the Security Council is long overdue.

But he also said the General Assembly has so far adopted five resolutions condemning Russia's invasion. He emphasized that the resolutions made it clear globally that waging war against a neighbor is illegal.

The UN General Assembly president spoke about Japan, which has been elected as a non-permanent member of the Security Council. Japan will hold the seat for two years from this year.

He said Japan is an influential member of the United Nations, not only because of its budgetary contributions but also as a "very moderate member" in the political discourses. He expressed hope that Japan will play a role as a mediator.