UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has reaffirmed that it opposes the creation of new permanent seats as it is contrary to the universally agreed principles of democracy, accountability and transparency.

Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told the UN General Assembly on the “Question of Equitable Representation in the membership of Security Council” on Friday that the Council needed to be expanded in the category of elected seats, i.e., the non-permanent seats.

This would allow more representation from member states, which had become necessary in view of the increase in UN membership since the council was last expanded, Pakistan’s envoy said.

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She said: “Pakistan distinguishes between the demands motivated by selfish ambitions and the collective demand of an entire continent. In this regard, we have always respected the African Common Position, the Ezulwini consensus and the Sirte Declaration”.

It was a reference to the African continent which is not represented on a permanent basis on the 15-member council.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2015

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