India reiterates call for UN reforms

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj reiterated India's call for reforms in the UN Security Council (UNSC) during a meeting with President-elect of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces here on Monday.

Congratulating Garces for becoming only the fourth woman President of the UNGA, Sushma Swaraj assured her of India's support in carrying out her duties, according to a statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry.

It stated that Sushma Swaraj "emphasised the need for UNSC reforms, especially continuation of the inter-governmental negotiations, as well as early finalisation of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)".

India is part of the Group of Four that also includes Japan, Germany and Brazil seeking permanent membership in a reformed UNSC.

The CCIT is a treaty proposed by India which intends to criminalize all forms of international terrorism and deny terrorists, their financiers and supporters access to funds, arms and safe havens.

According to the Ministry statement, Garces outlined her priorities in the next one year as President of UNGA, especially revitalization of the UN, including the General Assembly as well as Security Council reforms.

Garces, an Ecuadorian politician and diplomat, had called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 10 soon after her arrival here.

--IANS

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