US hopes India will play constructive role as UNSC member

Lalit K Jha
Washington, Oct 13 (PTI) The US has applauded India's
election to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member
hoping that it would play a constructive role in resolving key
global issues, but stopped short of endorsing its bid for a
permanent seat on the powerful body.
"We are well aware of India's aspirations to play a more
significant, you know, global role. We have welcomed that
expanded role by India both on regional issues and global
issues," State Department spokesman P J Crowley said at his
daily news conference here last evening.
He made the remarks when asked if the US would be
endorsing India's bid for a permanent UNSC seat during the
visit of US President Barack Obama to New Delhi in November.
Crowley, however, said the Obama Administration is
committed to the reform of the UN and its Security Council.
"We will work within the UN and within the Security
Council because, you know, we recognise that there are a
number of countries in the world that have those same
aspirations. We are committed to continue to work
constructively on UN reform," Crowley said.
The State Department spokesman welcomed the election of
India, South Africa, Colombia, Portugal and Germany to the UN
Security Council as its non-permanent members for a two-year
term beginning from January 1, 2011.
"We look forward to working constructively with all
members of the Security Council. We trust that all new members
will work to support the principles of the Charter, contribute
to the effectiveness and efficiency of the Council and uphold
its role in maintaining international peace and security," he
said.
Crowley said the US is committed to finding a way
forward on the Security Council reform that preserves and
strengthens its efficiency and effectiveness and enhance its
ability to carry out its mandate and meet the challenges of
the 21st century.
He also said that the US does not expect BRIC (Brazil,
Russia, India and China) countries, which for the first time
are together in the Security Council, to form a separate block
within the UNSC.
"These countries have been playing significant roles
and in some cases increasing roles in their respective regions
for some time, and we welcome their participation in the
Security Council," he said.
"As we've said, the global challenges that we face
cannot be solved by any one country. They're going to need
significant engagement, involvement, and support from these
emerging powers. You've got a very strong list of emerging
powers who can rightfully play a more leading role on global
issues," Crowley said. PTI