Hafizzz
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Qureshi to India on UNSC bid: Its a long way to go
The Hindu : News / International : Qureshi to India on UNSC bid: It’s a long way to go
India might be upbeat about U.S. President Barack Obamas recent endorsement for a permanent UNSC seat, but Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has only one message for the Indian government Hunooz Dilli door ast.
Mr. Qureshi invoked Delhis most revered sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya while commenting on Mr. Obamas clear backing for Indias aspirations for a permanent Security Council seat.
I have a message for the people in Delhi Hunooz Dilli door ast, Mr. Qureshi told a news conference at the Foreign Office, using the quote attributed to Nizamuddin Auliya that means Its still a long way to Delhi
The Persian phrase is often used to describe a task that cannot be easily accomplished.
Mr. Qureshi suggested that Indias efforts to gain a permanent membership could be a long-drawn and complicated process despite Mr. Obamas backing for the move.
Mr. Qureshi was responding to questions about the proposed expansion of the U.N. Security Council and Mr. Obamas recent endorsement for Indias efforts to join the world bodys key decision-making organ.
Mr. Qureshi, who addressed the news conference with his visiting Italian counterpart Franco Frattini, said Pakistan wants a comprehensive, democratic and representative expansion of the Security Council.
He said he had spoken to his Chinese counterpart about Pakistans reservations on Indias bid to gain permanent membership of the body and President Asif Ali Zardari is also expected to raise the issue during his ongoing visit to China.
Pakistan has already expressed its opposition to Mr. Obamas backing for permanent membership of the Security Council for India, saying the move has implications for peace and security in South Asia.
Pakistan has listed Indias strained relations with its neighbours and alleged violation of U.N. resolutions on the Kashmir issue as reasons why it shouldnt be granted membership of the Security Council.
Mr. Qureshi also said Pakistan and Italy have unanimity of views on the expansion of the Security Council on the basis of regional representation.
He added that the two countries were working closely on many international issues.
Mr. Frattini said the Security Council should not be expanded only to increase the number of permanent members.
Italy is in favour of reforming the Security Council and would not block the membership of any country but the process should be based on regional representation, he said.
Replying to a question about the Kashmir issue, Mr. Frattini said, Yes, it is a problem for Pakistan and needs to be addressed.
He said it is in Indias interest to have excellent relations with Pakistan and that New Delhi should work for positive movements to resolve the dispute.
Yup. It will be a VERY LONG WAY for India to "get" permanent U.N. seat. Germany and Japan are ahead of India on the waiting list. So lineup India and wait for your turn to be called.