|
The Minister of State for External Affairs, Shri E. Ahamed told the Rajya Sabha today that discussions on the issue of UN Security Council reform are underway in the UN among member States including G-4 countries. There is a steady accretion of support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, he added and said that several countries have expressed support for India’s candidature either in the UN or in the context of bilateral exchanges. Such support is expressed in different forums and forms and it is, therefore, difficult to give a definitive number on countries, which have specifically supported India.
Regarding India’s position on the issue of veto, Shri Ahmed said that as stated by the Prime Minister “there is no confusion regarding our position on our candidature for a Permanent Seat on the Security Council. At this point, all Permanent Members have veto powers. We are a candidate. This issue may arise in respect of any new Permanent Members who may be admitted. Our fundamental position remains clear. We do not believe there should be any discrimination in the Security Council and there should be no distinction between Permanent Members who have the veto and those who don’t”.
The Minister was replying to a question by Shri Uday Pratap Singh.
AK/SK/JA
|
