India for UNSC: Pakistan conveys disappointment to US envoy

Conveying Pakistan's concern,  Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir told Ambassador Cameron Munter that the move could have serious repercussions for the conflict-ridden region and reform of the world body, Dawn reported on Wednesday.

Sources said that Bashir told Munter that while endorsing India as a permanent Security Council member the US appeared to have acted out of expediency of power politics.

He told Munter that it was completely forgetful of New Delhi’s conduct in relations with its neighbours, disputes that engulfed the region, and its violations of the UNSC resolutions on Kashmir.

Obama made the announcement of support for New Delhi as a permanent member in the UNSC during his Nov 6-9 India visit. Obama told Indian parliament Monday: "Indeed, the just and sustainable international order that America seeks includes a United Nations that is efficient, effective, credible and legitimate."

"That is why I can say today - in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed UN Security Council that includes India as a permanent member."  Dawn stated that Pakistan’s military establishment will be conveying its sentiments during meetings with US Commander in Afghanistan General David Petraeus, who is expected to arrive here Friday.

Islamabad is understood to be focusing on China, the only Security Council member which is yet to announce its support for New Delhi’s bid. The other three permanent members in Security Council - Russia, Britain and France - have declared their support for India.

Senior Pakistani diplomats stressed that symbolism mattered when it came to India and Pakistan. They were of the opinion that Obama did not explicitly endorse India’s candidature.

“The words have been carefully phrased and shouldn’t be read as a statement of support. There isn’t much effort in that direction,” a diplomat was quoted as saying.

The media report said an interesting explanation on offer at the Foreign Office was that “he (Obama) probably wanted to create some highlight of his visit to India to overshadow President Bush’s trip to New Delhi in 2005, in which the latter had announced a civilian nuclear deal."

"Supporting India’s desire for a permanent UNSC seat was something which could go very well with the people of India, but at the same time did not cost Washington anything. Hence the announcement.”