M A I N   N E W S

Manmohan pushes for UNSC reforms
‘Revitalise Security Council to increase its credibility, effectiveness’

“We need a United Nations that is sensitive to the aspirations of everyone - rich or poor, big or small. For this the United Nations and its principal organs, the General Assembly and the Security Council, must be revitalised and reformed,” he said.

“The reform and expansion of the Security Council are essential if it is to reflect contemporary reality. Such an outcome will enhance the council’s credibility and effectiveness in dealing with global issues. Early reform of the Security Council must be pursued with renewed vigour and urgently enacted,” Manmohan said in his 15-minute address.

The PM said terrorism continued to rear its ugly head and take a grievous toll of innocent lives. “New threats to international security have emerged,” he said. “We will succeed if we adopt a cooperative rather than a confrontationist approach. We will succeed if we embrace once again the principles on which the UN was founded - internationalism and multilateralism,” he added. In the midst of controversies raging over the issue of “interventions” in the trouble spots of the Middle East, Manmohan Singh said the observance of the rule of law is as important in international affairs as it is within countries.

“Societies cannot be reordered from outside through military force. People in all countries have the right to choose their own destiny and decide their future,” he said.

Rejects demand for PC’s resignation

The PM rejected the Opposition's demand for the resignation of Home Minister P Chidambaram over the 2G issue and made it clear he will defend all his Cabinet colleagues. "The business of the Opposition is to oppose and to depose the government in power," he said.