PR. No. 254/2009

Date: 29/06/2009   

PAKISTAN 'S POSITION ON UNSC REFORM PRINCIPLED AND CLEAR

When asked to comment on news story “ Pakistan is unclear on UNSC expansion issue” (The News, 28 June), the Spokesman said that there is no ambiguity in Pakistan 's position on the issue. In fact the news story itself, contrary to its conjectural title, quotes Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi as saying that Pakistan opposes expansion in the permanent category of membership of the Security Council as it would perpetuate the centres of privilege and would run counter to the objectives of reforming the Council to the changing realities. The Spokesman emphatically denied that there is any “flexibility” in this position.

The Spokesman said that Pakistan 's position on the expansion of UNSC is anchored in principles and is not country-specific. Pakistan strongly believes that any proposal for reforming the Security Council should be equitable, fair and democratic. It should provide for enhanced representation from the developing world; correspond to the legitimate position of Africa and the Organization of the Islamic Conference; and provide for a greater role of the regions in determining their representation in the Council.

The Spokesman added that Pakistan will continue working with like-minded countries within the framework of “Uniting-for-Consensus” and in coordination with friendly countries to pursue the objective of a democratic and effective Security Council. Pakistan 's relations with India have no bearing, directly or indirectly, on its principled position on UNSC reform, the Spokesman emphasized.

Islamabad

29 June 2009