New Delhi, October 31
During the eight years of his presidency, George W Bush was not willing to openly support India’s claim for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council (UNSC), a stand that was in line with the US Administration’s ambivalence on the issue.

President Pratibha Patil with her Cyprus counterpart Demetris Christofias in Nicosia on Saturday. — Reuters

But now that he has become a private citizen, Bush has no hesitation in solidly backing India’s inclusion in the UNSC while delivering the keynote address at the HT Leadership Summit here today. The former US President also wanted his successor Barack Obama’s administration to endorse India’s claim.

At an absorbing interactive session, Bush said, “India has emerged as a strong democratic country in the world. It is a tolerant, peaceful and multi-religious democracy.’’ However, he was quite clear that the process of India making an entry into the UNSC was going to be difficult due to global politics.

Bush emphasised that before India’s case was considered, fundamental questions about the nature of change and the future composition of the UNSC ought to be considered.

“Should the UNSC be changed? Should there be regional considerations? Is world’s second largest economy Japan going to be there? How big should the council be? It’s going to be a complicated issue,’’ he said.

He spoke in glowing terms about Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, with whom he shepherded the historic Indo-US nuclear deal despite the vehement opposition the two leaders faced from lawmakers in their own countries. 

Cyprus too bats for Delhi
Faraz Ahmad
Tribune News Service

Nicosia, October 31
Cyprus has supported India’s bid to enter the UN Security Council (UNSC) as a permanent member.

Cypriot President Demetris Christofias stated this in his speech while according ceremonial welcome to Indian President Pratibha Patil at the Presidential Palace here today. President Patil arrived here on Thursday and is flying back to New Delhi tonight.President Patil on her part supported Cypriot efforts at the reunification of Greek and Turkish Cyprus.