PM presses for expansion of UN Security Council

New Delhi, Sep 21 (PTI) Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh Wednesday pressed for an early reform of the United
Nations, particularly an expansion of the Security Council,
noting it must be seen as an impartial, credible and effective
world body.
In a statement before leaving for Frankfrut enroute to
New York to attend the 66th Session of the UN General
Assembly(UNGA), Singh also said efforts by India to promote
international peace and security after it became a non-
permanent member of the Security Council has enriched the
policy making body's effectiveness.
"The United Nations must be seen as an impartial,
credible and effective body. I will stress the need for early
reform of this unique organization, particularly an expansion
of its Security Council," he said.
India is seeking a permanent berth in the Security
Council. It became a non-permanent member of this body in
January this year after a gap of 19 years.
"Our efforts at promoting international peace and
security and bringing to bear a developing country perspective
have, I believe, enriched the Council's deliberations and
enhanced its effectiveness," Singh said.
Noting that the UNGA is meeting this year at a time
when the world is faced with multiple challenges, the Prime
Minister said more than ever before, it is imperative for all
countries to act in concert to address these challenges.
"This is the time for United Nations to resume
its global leadership role," he added.
Making a mention of the challenges, Singh said the
global economy is in the midst of an economic slowdown coupled
with all its attendant problems, including inflationary
pressures.
Terrorism and non-traditional threats to international
security, such as piracy, are threatening states and the
international political and social order, he noted.
He also said West Asia, North Africa and Gulf regions
have seen major upheavals and there is uncertainty about the
shape of things to come in this crucial part of the world in
the period ahead. The Palestine question remains unresolved,
he added.
Singh said he also looking forward to holding bilateral
meetings with the Presidents of Iran, South Sudan and Sri
Lanka, and the Prime Ministers of Japan and Nepal.
Singh is being accompanied by External Affairs
Minister S M Krishna, National Security Adviser Shivshankar
Menon and Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai,
He would represent India at the high-level segment of
the General Assembly on Saturday when he is due to deliver his
address.
The Prime Minister is attending the UNGA after a gap of
two years.