Date:06/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/06/stories/2007080656101200.htm

National

“Not enough done to get U.N. seat”

Mumbai: A permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council has eluded India despite its relentless efforts as it has not adopted a broader role in settling international issues, Vijay Nambiar, Chief of Staff to the U.N. Secretary General has said.

“India is not doing enough to become a permanent member of the Security Council. Instead of demanding for it, India should play a more participatory role in world affairs,” he told PTI here.

Acknowledging the country’s large contribution of troops for the U.N. peacekeeping efforts, he said: “However, India’s role has to go beyond providing peacekeepers. It has to see a broader role for itself by being actively involved in discussions and settlement of major economic and political concerns, including human rights and environment-related issues.” It was not for the U.N to have expectations from its member-states, he said, adding that India should live up to its image of being a progressive nation. — PTI