The Hindu : International / India & World : Permanent seat for India: Pallone moves legislation

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Friday, Feb 11, 2005

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International - India & World

Permanent seat for India: Pallone moves legislation

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, FEB. 10. Frank Pallone, the Democrat from New Jersey in the House of Representatives, has introduced a legislation supporting India's bid for a permanent seat in the United Nation's Security Council. The legislation, a "Sense of Congress," would put the House officially on record in backing India's bid.

"At a time when international relations are being redefined, we should acknowledge those with those nations that share our enduring core values," Mr. Pallone, the founder of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, said. "Any reform of the Security Council must lead to permanent membership for India. It is in our national interest and, indeed, our responsibility to ensure that this happens."

Mr. Pallone said that the Council had not changed since its inception and the unwillingness to come to terms with the changed environment hindered its ability to tackle threats to international peace and security. "It's in the interests of the United States and the world to have a U.N. Security Council whose members combine military strength with respect for democracy and pluralism, and an appreciation of the dangers posed by rogue states and terrorist elites."

"India, which has long been a victim of terrorism, was the first to offer its services in the United States' war on terrorism in Afghanistan and was also one of the first to embrace the U.S. ballistic missile defence program," the Democrat said. "Furthermore, India is a growing economic power that has become an indispensable trading partner with the U.S."

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