The Hindu : National : Kofi Annan arrives

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Tuesday, Apr 26, 2005

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National

Kofi Annan arrives

Diplomatic Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The United Nations' Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, arrived here late on Monday for talks with the Indian leadership on Wednesday. Mr. Annan has internal U.N. meetings scheduled for Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Mr. Annan will call on the President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and will hold discussions with the External Affairs Minister, Natwar Singh, and the Leader of the Opposition, L.K. Advani.

Mr. Annan's visit comes at a time when four of the five permanent members of the Security Council have endorsed India's bid to enter the Council.

``India has been urging the need for reforms of the U.N. so that it reflects the contemporary realities and makes the U.N. more relevant and effective in discharge of its mandate,'' the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

``India's participation in peacekeeping is a reflection of its consistent commitment to the ideal of world peace. India, as a major troop contributing country to U.N. peacekeeping operations has participated in 42 of the 60 U.N. peacekeeping missions established so far. Indian troops numbering over 71,000 have served in U.N. peacekeeping missions all over the world and in almost every U.N. peacekeeping operation in Africa. One hundred and nine Indian soldiers have so far made the supreme sacrifice under the U.N.''

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