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India deserves UNSC seat, says Blair
In a joint press meet with Manmohan, British PM said India must be represented in Security Council, writes Vijay Dutt. Pics
"India with 1.3 billion population ought to be represented in the UN Security Council and involved in the G-8 process,” said Tony Blair. He was responding to a question by Hindustan Times' Vir Sanghvi as to whether Britain would support India’s bid for a permanent seat in the Security Council, along with its reform.
Blair’s unequivocal affirmation during the joint press conference with Dr Manmohan Singh at Downing Street was significant in the backdrop of an earlier reported hesitation by Foreign Secretary Jack Straw about Britain’s support to India’s bid.
Blair went on to add that issues like climate change could not be dealt with by G-8 without the involvement of India and China, given their huge economy. “As each year passes the issue becomes more urgent,” he said.
Blair also unreservedly condemned terrorism and said: “There is no equivocation on the issue. We condemn all forms of terrorism, in relation to Kashmir or any other part of the world.” He added: “We are supporting a peaceful exchange of views between India and Pakistan and condemn the killings of innocent civilians and elected politicians.”
