India to focus on UNSC reform, terrorism at UN General Assembly

Early reform of the UN Security Council, terrorism and peacekeeping will be among the main issues that India will pursue during the world body's General Assembly session, Indian Ambassador to the UN has said.

 

Highlighting the broad areas that will occupy India's attention during the 69th session of the UN's 193-member body, Asoke Mukerji said his delegation will focus on the "unfinished business of 2005 (which is) the early reform of the UN Security Council."

 

He said the last seven rounds of discussions have "thrown up enough material" for UN member states to now begin negotiating the early reform of the Security Council on the basis of a negotiation text.

 

Briefing reporters here yesterday ahead of the start of the high-level General Debate on September 24, Mukerji said, "The Intergovernmental Negotiations on UNSC reform have continued to remain deadlocked because of the absence of text. India will press for a text-based process of negotiations in the IGN whose 11th round will commence in the 69th General Assembly."

 

"Without a text it is not possible for us to demonstrate any constructive approach on this subject," he said.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the UN General Assembly on September 27. Mukerji did not give details of the other engagements of Modi.

 

On terrorism, India will continue to strive for progress towards finalisation of the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

 

"India will also initiate action for the listing of terrorists of security concern to us by the Al-Qaeda and Taliban Sanctions Committees of the UN Security Council. On September 25, the Council would adopt a resolution on counter-terrorism, an area which has been important for India for the last three decades," Mukerji said.

 

"India is one of the countries suffering from terrorism and we are happy that finally the impact of foreign terrorist fighters on peace and stability is being recognised specifically by the UN," he said.

 

Mukerji said peacekeeping is another area where India will actively engage in.