Pak parl passes motion against US support for India's UNSC bid

Rezaul H Laskar
Islamabad, Nov 12 (PTI) Pakistan's parliament Friday
unanimously passed a resolution expressing concern at US
President Barack Obama's support for India's bid for permanent
seat on the UN Security Council, saying it would have "grave
ramifications" and affect the balance of power in South Asia.
The resolution, tabled by ruling Pakistan People's Party
lawmaker Shahnaz Wazir Ali, was passed by treasury and
opposition members of the National Assembly or lower house of
parliament.
The resolution said the US endorsement of India's bid "is
a counterproductive move that disregards Pakistan's principled
position and sensitivities" related to UN reforms.
It expressed "serious concerns and strong
disappointments" on the decision by the US, which it said
would have "grave ramifications" for multilateral cooperation
and peace, stability and security in South Asia.
The resolution said "feasible reforms of the Security
Council can only be achieved through negotiations leading to a
consensus decisions".
It also note India's alleged disregard of Security
Council resolutions on Kashmir and its "gross and systematic
violation of the fundamental human rights of the Kashmiri
people".
Talking to reporters at the airport in Lahore, Foreign
Minister Qureshi expressed similar concerns, saying India's
move for permanent membership of the Security Council "would
have a negative impact on balance of power in the region".
India cannot become a member of the UN Security Council
only with the support of the US as the move must be backed by
a two-thirds majority in the world body, Qureshi said.
"Pakistan's opposition to India's move is in line with
its stance regarding expansion and reforms in the world body,"
he said.
Referring to US support for India's bid, he added: "We
are of the view that any unilateral support, if it is not
based on deep thinking, would affect the peace and stability
of the region."
Qureshi said Pakistan is not opposing India's candidature
"just for the sake of opposition but we have reasons for it".
The expansion and reform of the UN Security Council is a
long-drawn and complicated process with groups comprising
countries of different regions having divergent viewpoints on
the issue, he observed.
Referring to Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini's
comments in this regard during a news conference in Islamabad
Thursday, Qureshi said the reform of the Security Council
could not be achieved by having more permanent members.
Replying to a question about China's stance on India's
bid for permanent membership of the Security Council, Qureshi
said the issue was discussed with China and both countries had
a unanimous stand in this regard. (more) PTI RHL
PBL


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.