P-5 not too enthusiastic on UN reforms: Krishna

New Delhi, Oct 12 (PTI) Pitching for permanent seat in
the expanded UN Security Council, India Tuesday observed that
its five permanent members were not as enthusiastic as
developing nations on reforms in the world body which was
delaying the process.
India's External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said that
India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) along with Germany and
Japan have been trying to hasten the process of reforms as
they believe that the UN does not reflect the contemporary
reality.
"We are hopeful we will be able to carry a large number
of countries with us but we have not been able to drive the
same kind of conviction with the permanent members of the
UNSC, but we are at it," he said.
Noting that the UN Charter was written in 1945, Krishna
said even at the end of the first decade of the 21st century
the UN reforms were nowhere in sight.
"The UN charter was written in 1945. We are now at the
end of the first decade of the 21st century and we do not see
UN reforms coming yet," he said in an interaction with
visiting African journalists here.
"But we are also aware of the severe limitations that are
imposed by the other circumstances where entrenched powers are
not as enthusiastic as many developing countries," he said.
Contending that there has been "overwhelming consensus"
on UN reforms, he, however, said that it cannot take place
until the permanent members of the UNSC were "willing to play
the game with us".
Krishna said that IBSA along with Japan and Germany have
been trying to impress upon the permanent members of the UNSC
on "the urgency, the need, the necessity to make UN truly
representative".
Recalling his recent visit to New York, the minister said
text-based negotiations on the issue were underway at the
level of Permanent Representatives (PR) at the UN.
"The PRs of various countries have been working together
and trying to find a consensus to bring about reforms. We are
flexible," Krishna said.
The minister stressed on the need to infuse new vigour in
the ties between India and Africa which have been fascinated
by each other's cultural traditions and have a lot to offer in
both directions.
"We have historical linkages with the African continent,
having shared many trials and tribulations together. It is
gratifying that our relationship has transformed in recent
decades and years. We have now become developmental partners,
looking out for each others interests and well being," Krishna
told the African journalists.
The visit of the media persons from Africa is part of
the largest outreach programme of India's Ministry of
External Affairs.
As many as 19 journalists from 10 African nations are on
a week-long tour of India. PTI SKU
MHM


The information contained in this electronic message and any attachments to this
message are intended for the exclusive use of the addressee(s) and may contain
proprietary, confidential or privileged information. If you are not the intended
recipient, you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify
the sender immediately and destroy all copies of this message and any attachments
contained in it.