Manmohan Singh addresses UN Assembly, urges global fight against terror

Noting the rise of terrorism and its outcome on the national unity and peace, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh addressing the UN General Assembly on Friday said it was vital to strengthen international cooperation to combat terrorism and bring its perpetrators, financiers and sponsors to justice.

Singh at the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly gave special focus on terrorism, urging the Security Council to reflect contemporary realities of the 21st century.

"We should conclude expeditiously the Comprehensive Convention on International terrorism," Singh said in his address which coincided with his 76th birthday.

Underlining the need for inclusive globalization, the prime minister drew the world community's attention to "a possible food crisis, a global energy crisis and unprecedented upheavals in international financial markets". "There is, therefore, an urgent need for coordinated action by the global community on several fronts," he said.

Hailing return of democracy in Pakistan, Singh said India is committed to resolving all issues, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, through dialogue.

"We welcome the return of democracy in Pakistan. We are committed to resolving all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, including the issue of Jammu and Kashmir, through peaceful dialogue," Singh said.

Seeking "meaningful" reforms of the UN, Singh regretted that "little progress" had been made on the core elements of the reform agenda of the world body.

"The composition of the Security Council needs to change to reflect contemporary realities of the 21st century," he stressed.

"It is only a truly representative and revitalised United Nations that can become the effective focal point for the cooperative efforts of the world community. We need to expeditiously hold negotiations in this regard," he said.

Noting that the UN is a living symbol of pluralism which has weathered many storms, the Prime Minister said it is the vehicle through which a combined will and efforts to address global challenges must be articulated and implemented.
"Unless we rise to the task, we would bequeath to succeeding generations a world of diminishing prospects," he said.