October 25, 2002	Friday	Sha’aban 18,1423

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 24: The UN has failed to assert its role as an international body, said the director-general of Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS), Shireen Mazari, while speaking at a seminar here on Thursday.

The seminar was organized by the ISS in connection with the UN’s 57th anniversary.

The UN needs to redefine its role in the rapidly changing socio-political scenario of the world, she said adding “on one hand the US is determined to follow its doctrine of pre-emptive strikes and on the other hand, nations like Japan and Germany are striving for a seat in the security council.”

“I am confused at the moment whether to highlight the good work done by the body or to reflect its faults that have resulted into the killings of hundreds of thousands innocent people across the world,” Dr Mazari said.

However, there are many other functions the UN has performed admirably, she added.

She maintained that the UN had become discriminatory in its approach to global peace and security and it was this approach that might well undermined the UN structure.

For example, she said, it allowed East Timorians to exercise their right to self-determination, but on the other hand Kashmiris were being denied the same.

Similarly, the whole wolrd has joined the chorus in condemning Iraq’s armament industry but no murmuring is heard from any powerful corner on Israel’s hidden nuclear arsenals, she said.

She also criticized the US for its aggressive unilateral policies, be it the ratification of set of international court of justice or Koyto protocol and held it responsible for undermining the role of the UN for the past two decades since the disintegration of the USSR.

She also recommended more proactive role for the pressure groups like OIC, EU wherein they could convincingly express their viewpoint on international issues.

Dr Ijaz Hussain, the dean, faculty of social sciences, QAU, said international bodies had failed to deliver the envisioned goals due to the indifferent attitudes of the powerful states.

In the league of nations, difference between the UK and France over Germany and America’s decision to stay away from international politics led to the second world war.

He said, at present, the US had held hostage the UN for its vested interest and not allowing the body to play its due role in resolving the ongoing Iraq stand-off.

The former foreign minister, Agha Shahi, said civil societies at national levels should play an active role to enhance the credibility of the UN. He said at present, the UN was standing at most critical juncture with the US, the sole superpower of the world roaring at Iraq and China, Russia and France, three permanent members of the security council were looking the other way.