November 3, 2003	Monday	Ramazan 7, 1424

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UNITED NATIONS, Nov 2: In an effort to keep alive the concept of Universal declaration of Self Determination, Pakistan is expected to move a resolution in the UN General Assembly next week which “reaffirms that the universal realization of the right of all peoples, including those under colonial, foreign and alien domination, to self-determination.”

Pakistan’s UN Ambassador, Munir Akram, underscored the vital importance of the resolution saying it was essential “in an atmosphere where India and other countries in occupation of foreign territories are trying to project the freedom struggles as “terrorist” movements.

The resolution, which is expected to garner majority support in the UN General Assembly, calls upon “those States responsible to cease immediately their military intervention in and occupation of foreign countries and territories and all acts of repression, discrimination, exploitation and maltreatment, in particular the brutal and inhuman methods reportedly employed for the execution of those acts against the peoples concerned.”

It deplores the plight of millions of refugees and displaced persons, who have been uprooted as a result of the aforementioned acts, and reaffirms their right to return to their homes voluntarily in safety and honour.

It asks the Commission on Human Rights to continue to give special attention to the violation of human rights, especially the right to self-determination, resulting from foreign military intervention, aggression or occupation.

The Indian diplomats at the UN are wary of the resolution, which also has the endorsement of the US delegation on the matter of principle. They believe that Pakistan will continue to bolster its case on Kashmir on the international forum on the principle of self determination.