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India takes over UNSC presidency

India took over the presidency of the Council, which rotates alphabetically every month, from France and will hand off to Ireland next month, reports Arul Louis

India took over the presidency of the Security Council on Sunday with a pledge to work for entire humanity while bringing a focus to the challenges of terrorism.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video message on India’s presidency, said: “We must think of the entire humanity and not only of those who are on our side of the border. Humanity, as a whole, must be at the centre of our thinking and action.”

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that, at the Council: “India will keep the international spotlight firmly focused on the task of combatting terrorism, the pandemic and climate change, which are global challenges that transcend national boundaries.”

India’s Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti will preside over the Council this month in a chamber where the iconic painting of a rising Phoenix, symbolising the UN’s endeavour to bring the world out of the chaos of war, looms over the horseshoe table for the 15 national representatives.

India took over the presidency of the Council, which rotates alphabetically every month, from France and will hand off to Ireland next month.

Tirumurti said that India will be organising three high-level signature meetings focusing on its priority areas — maritime security, peacekeeping and counter-terrorism.

Modi is expected to preside virtually over one of the high-level meetings on August 9 — the first Indian Prime Minister to take the chair — according to Syed Akbaruddin, a former Permanent Representative of India.

The high-level meetings are organised by the country presiding over the Council each month to highlight the issues most important to it.

“India will also be organising a solemn event in the memory of peacekeepers,” Tirumurti said.

The UN peacekeeping operations, for which India has been historically the biggest contributor, have claimed the lives of 174 Indian peacekeepers.

In addition, Tirumurti said the Council’s agenda will include current global hotspots Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Yemen, and the Middle East and it is expected to adopt resolutions on Somalia, Mali, and the UN interim force in Lebanon.

“I’m confident that India’s presidency will contribute to strengthen international peace and security further,” he said.

The first meeting of the Council with India wielding the gavel will take place on Monday with a closed session at 11.30 a.m. New York time (9 p.m. IST) to hash out the month’s agenda. It will be followed by the presentation of Secretary General Antonio Guterres’s report on Sudan and South Sudan in a open meeting.

Tirumurti is scheduled to hold a news conference at 12.30 p.m. local time (10 p.m. in India) on the Council’s programme for the month. The news conference, like all the open meetings of the Council, will be videocast on the internet by the UN (at media.un.org/en/webtv/).

As president, India will have the tough task of dealing with the acrimonious divide between veto-wielding Russia and China on one side, and the US, along with its allies, on the other.

Their intransigent postures have led to impasse on important issues like Syria, which is coming up again this month.

Shashi Tharoor, a Congress Party MP and a former UN Under Secretary General, retweeted comments he had made earlier to a media outlet: “India may have certain intentions, but who knows what will happen in the world between now and at the end of the Indian presidency in August end.”

Other hotspots may yet emerge during India’s presidency – for example, if the situations in countries like Cuba, Myanmar and Haiti turn more volatile or crises arise elsewhere.

Tharoor added: “Whatever happens, we have to have diplomats who are capable, alert, and nimble enough to cope with it, to respond to it, and to give the world a certain leadership in the matter.”

India last presided over the Council in November 2012 when Hardeep Singh Puri, now the Minister for Petroleum, Housing and Urban Development, was India’s Permanent Representative.

Recalling in a tweet his tenure as president, Puri pointed to the difficulty of leading a permanent member-dominated Council: “Ten years ago this day, India had last assumed presidency of the UNSC. I was privileged to preside over the horseshoe. We specifically cautioned against ‘use of force’ in Libya & failure to act in Syria.”

On the challenges of leading a fractured Council where the five permanent members wield supreme power through their vetoes, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said: “We’ve always endeavoured to be a voice of reason and understanding, a voice of the underrepresented developing world, a bridge-builder for narrowing the divides and for fostering consensus.”

The External Affairs Ministry said in a tweet that India will be guided on the Council by “5S” principles — ‘samman (respect), samvaad (dialogue), sahyog (cooperation), shanti (peace) and samriddhi (prosperity)”.

Introducing a note of realism in the midst of celebratory statements and social media posts, Tharoor said in one of his retweets, “Assumption of the UNSC Presidency is a routine thing; it goes in alphabetical order and this month, it’s India’s turn.”

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READ MORE-Tirumurti meets UNGA’s Bozkir ahead of India assuming UNSC presidency

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Tirumurti meets UNGA’s Bozkir ahead of India assuming UNSC presidency

India has pressed for greater coordination between the Council and the Assembly, which is more representative of the UN membership compared to the 15-member Council that is dominated by the five permanent members…reports Arul Louis

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, T.S. Tirumurti, who will be presiding over the Security Council next month, held discussions with General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir about New Delhi’s agenda for leading the Security Council, according to a spokesperson.

Bozkir’s spokesperson said that during their “coordination” meeting on Wednesday, the UNGA President “commended him for holding a majority of Security Council meetings in-person, as well as for the rich programme of work”.

After several months of virtual and blended meetings because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Council has been slowly phasing in in-person meetings and during India’s presidency it is slated to hold most of its meetings in person.

The spokesperson said that Tirumurti briefed Bozkir about the agenda “focusing on High-level Open debates on Maritime Security, and on Technology and Peacekeeping, as well as a High-level briefing on the Threats to International Peace and Security caused by Terrorist Acts”.

Preparations for the high-level meeting of the Assembly in September, when traditionally heads of state and government speak, were also discussed, the spokesperson added.

India has pressed for greater coordination between the Council and the Assembly, which is more representative of the UN membership compared to the 15-member Council that is dominated by the five permanent members.

To prepare for India’s focus on maritime security during its presidency, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral M.S. Pawar met Tirumurti at the Indian mission, the Navy spokesperson tweeted on Tuesday.

They discussed “strategic issues with specific reference to Maritime Security”, the spokesperson tweeted.

Last week, India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla was in New York to brief Secretary-General Antonio Guterres about New Delhi’s agenda as Council President.

November 2012 was the last time India had presided over the Council.

India was elected for the eighth time as a non-permanent member last year and began serving on the Council in January.

The presidency of the Council rotates every month in alphabetical order and India is expected to have another turn presiding over the body again next year.

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India to establish right to be permanent UNSC member: Foreign Secretary

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Shringla arrived in New York on Wednesday and will participate in two high-level events in the Security Council to be held under the current French Presidency…reports Asian Lite News

India will make the best of its two-year term in the UN Security Council and underscore that it establishes the right to be a permanent member of the 15-nation body, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said, as the country prepares to assume Presidency of the Council with focus on maritime security, counter-terrorism and peacekeeping.

Next month, we have one of the most landmark events in our engagement in the UN. We will be president of the UN Security Council in the month of August, Shringla said.

“We will make the best of our two-year term in the Security Council. We will leave our mark in the Council and our point is to say that India really, by its contribution, establishes the right to be a permanent member of UN Security Council,” he said.

Shringla arrived in New York on Wednesday and will participate in two high-level events in the Security Council to be held under the current French Presidency. He will also meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres today and address the Council briefing on Libya.

India is Chair of the Libyan Sanctions Committee. Shringla’s visit comes as India prepares to assume the Presidency of the powerful 15-nation UN body next month.

Speaking at a welcome event organised for him in the city by Jaipur Foot USA and Gracious Givers Foundation USA, Shringla said India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador TS Tirumurti has arranged new and very significant initiatives in the areas of maritime security, counter-terrorism and UN peacekeeping during India’s upcoming presidency.

These are all subjects that are important to us and very unique initiatives are being organised, during India’s presidency of the Council, he said, adding that the presidency will have “very high-level participation” from the country.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. (Photo: IANS/MEA)

“We are there to forge consensus, understanding. We are the bridge between countries in maintaining international peace and security. That is no small achievement if you consider the fact that we are not permanent members of the Council,” he said.

Speaking about the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country, Shringla said we have come through a very difficult period in the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The second wave, with the Delta variant, has been devastating, he said.

Shringla noted that up till the second wave, India had been helping countries and distributed over 66 million doses of vaccines to nations all over the world and provided Hydroxychloroquine and essential pharmaceutical products to deal with Covid-19 to over 150 countries.

As India battled a devastating second wave of Covid-19, many countries felt it was time to assist India in return, he said and referred to President Joe Biden’s remark that India was there for the US and we will be there for them.

He also thanked the Indian-American community for their efforts and help to India in combatting the pandemic.

Shringla noted that Jaipur Foot USA Chairman Prem Bhandari sent innumerable consignments of concentrators and cylinders to different parts of the country, which he said made a visible impact.

While Covid-19 cases are declining in the country, Shringla said it does not mean that we cannot have a third wave.

This is something that can affect countries anywhere in the world, and countries, however, resourced and well-equipped to deal with such crisis, have found that they’ve been wanting given the sheer scale of numbers and the magnitude and severity of the pandemic.

Referring to India-US relations, Shringla said there is a new administration in the US but the continuity has been smooth and seamless.

One of the very important reasons is again the success of the Indian-American community that has contributed to a better understanding between our two great democracies and great nations that I would say have in many senses, the values and principles to lead the world in every aspect of it.

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India asks UN to address terrorists exploiting cyberspace

Integrity and security of ICT products, which form the building blocks of cyberspace, are being compromised, said Foreign Secretary Shringla…reports Asian Lite News

India has stressed on the need for tackling the implications of exploitation of cyberspace by terrorists, stating that they are using the internet to broaden their appeal and spread virulent propaganda.

“We are witnessing a sophisticated use of cyberspace by terrorists around the world to broaden their appeal, spread virulent propaganda, incite hatred and violence, recruit youth and raise funds. Terrorists have also used social media for planning and executing their terror attacks and wreaking havoc. As a victim of terrorism, India has always underlined the need for Member States to address and tackle the implications of terrorist exploitation of the cyber domain more strategically,” Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said while speaking at the UN Security Council Open Debate on “Maintenance of International Peace and Security: Cyber Security”

Without taking Pakistan’s name, the Foreign Secretary said some States are leveraging their expertise in cyberspace to achieve their political and security-related objectives and indulge in contemporary forms of cross-border terrorism.

S Shringla addressing UNSC High Level Meeting on Cyber Security under Estonian Presidency on June 29(INN)

“The world is already witnessing the use of cyber tools to compromise State security through, inter alia, attacking critical national infrastructure, including health and energy facilities; sometimes disrupting social harmony through radicalisation. Open societies have been particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns,” Shringla said.

“There are widespread concerns that State and Non-State Actors are introducing vulnerabilities and harmful hidden functions, including through backdoor channels, into ICT networks and products,” the Foreign Secretary said.

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Such nefarious acts undermine trust and confidence in global ICT supply chains, compromise security and create potential flashpoints between States. It is in the interest of the international community to ensure that all actors abide by their international obligations and commitments and not indulge in practices that could have potentially disruptive effects on global supply chains and trade in ICT products.”

To provide solutions, FS Shringla said that the Member States need to adopt a collaborative rules based approach in cyberspace and work towards ensuring its openness, stability and security.

However, he said India is committed to an open, secure, free, accessible and stable cyberspace environment, said Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Tuesday, adding that it will become an engine for innovation, economic growth, sustainable development, and ensure free flow of information and respect cultural and linguistic diversity.

FS Shringla noted that India has leveraged the tremendous potential of cyber technologies in implementing the SDG agenda and improving governance with transformative technology initiatives in recent years such as IndiaStack, Aadhar and UPI.

Besides, as part of its COVID vaccination drive, one of the largest such drives in the world, India has developed Co-WIN – a scalable, inclusive and open technological platform. On this, FS Shringla said, “The Co-WIN platform can be customized and scaled up for health interventions across the globe. We are working on sharing this platform with partner countries in the interest of health cooperation and their preparedness to meet challenges to the health of countries across the world.”

“Our overarching objective is to harness cyberspace for the growth and empowerment of people, not just of our own country, but for all humanity. India stands ready to offer its expertise and share its experience in this endeavor,” he added.

Further, FS Shringla said that the increasing use of cyber and information-communication technologies has accelerated economic development, improved service delivery to citizens, generated greater social awareness and placed information and knowledge in the hands of individuals.

“Most activities in this cyber-age – political, social, economic, humanitarian and developmental – (including this UNSC high level meeting) – are now conducted in or connected to cyberspace. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated and expanded the digitalization of these activities,” he said.

However, the foreign secretary noted that the borderless nature of cyberspace, and more importantly anonymity of actors involved, has challenged the traditionally accepted concepts of sovereignty, jurisdiction and privacy. These unique attributes of cyberspace present their own set of challenges for Member States, he said.

“The momentum generated by the positive outcomes of the Group of Governmental Experts on advancing responsible State behaviour in cyberspace and the Open-Ended Working Group on developments in ICT should be leveraged to find further common ground and improve upon the already agreed cyber norms and rules. These rules must strive to ensure collective cyber security through international cooperation. Multi-stakeholder involvement would help in achieving this objective,” he said.

Further he said that fostering equitable access to cyberspace and its benefits should also form an important component of this international co-operation. The widening “Digital gaps” and “Digital knowledge gaps” amongst countries create an unsustainable environment in the cyber domain, he said.

“Growing digital dependency in the post-COVID era has exacerbated risks and exposed these fissures of digital inequalities. These must be bridged through capacity building. The pervasive and boundary-less nature of cyberspace implies that we are only as strong as the weakest link in the global network. ‘Only together’ we can achieve the goal of a globally secure, resilient cyberspace and we must ensure that no country is left behind in this collective endeavor,” FS Shringla added. (INN)

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‘Some leveraging cyber skills for cross-border terrorism’

Terrorists have used social media to plan and execute terror attacks and for “virulent propaganda” to incite hatred and violence, recruit youth and raise funds, said Shringla…reports Arul Louis

Raising an alarm about the emergence of cyberspace as a vehicle for cross-border terrorism by nations and terror organisations, India has called for international action to achieve a framework for global cybersecurity.

Outlining the dangers to international peace emanating from cyberspace, India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla told the Security Council on Tuesday: “We need to adopt a collaborative rules-based approach in cyberspace and work towards ensuring its openness, stability and security.”

UN’s High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu also warned of the risks from cyberattacks and said that situations could develop that “can encourage states to adopt offensive postures for the hostile use of these technologies”.

Because of this risk and the potential for “criminal groups and others” to create global destabilisation, she said that the Security Council should get involved in ensuring cybersecurity.

Shringla said: “The borderless nature of cyberspace, and more importantly anonymity of actors involved, has challenged the traditionally accepted concepts of sovereignty, jurisdiction and privacy.

“As a victim of terrorism, India has always underlined the need for member states to address and tackle the implications of terrorist exploitation of the cyber domain more strategically.”

Some countries “are leveraging their expertise in cyberspace to achieve their political and security-related objectives and indulge in contemporary forms of cross-border terrorism”, he said.

He added that cyber tools were being used to “compromise state security” through attacks on critical national infrastructure, including health and energy facilities and to “disrupt social harmony through radicalisation”.

Terrorists have used social media to plan and execute terror attacks and for “virulent propaganda” to incite hatred and violence, recruit youth and raise funds, he said.

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Shringla warned of the dangers from malware that can “create potential flashpoints between states”.

“It is in the interest of the international community to ensure that all actors abide by their international obligations and commitments and not indulge in practices that could have potentially disruptive effects on global supply chains and trade in ICT (Information Communication Technology) product.

“There are widespread concerns that state and non-state actors are introducing vulnerabilities and harmful hidden functions, including through backdoor channels, into ICT networks and products.

“The Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) on developments in ICT (OEWG) should be leveraged to find further common ground and improve upon the already agreed cyber norms and rules,” he said.

The OEWG, set up by the General Assembly in 2018, submitted its final report this March.

It did not recommend specific rules or regulations for adoption, but outlined areas of consensus and suggested further consultations.

Shringla spoke of the positive potential of ICT citing the role of the Co-WIN platform in India’s vaccination drive against coronavirus. He said that India was sharing it with partner countries.

The contrast between totalitarian countries like China, which he did not name, that have closed their cyberspace to outside influences and open societies like India came up in his speech when Shringla spoke of the vulnerabilities of nations that allow external cyber access.

While committing India to “an open, secure, free, accessible and stable cyberspace environment”, he pointed out that “open societies have been particularly vulnerable to cyber-attacks and disinformation campaigns”.

The dangers outlined by Shringla are widely manifest around the world.

In view of the dangers from ICT equipment being compromised with spyware, India has banned the use of some Chinese-made products.

There has been a proliferation of malware introduced into even computer systems used by the Pentagon.

Systems used in the US for petroleum distribution and for beef supply, as well as local governments, have been hit by cybercriminals to extort ransomware.

Washington has said that they operated from Russia.

Hospitals and health systems in the US and the UK have also been victims of cybercrime.

US Permanent Representative Linda Thomas-Greenfield said that countries should act against cybercriminals operating in their territories.

“Let me be clear: when a state is notified of harmful activity emanating from its own territory, it must take reasonable steps to address it. Given the transnational nature of cyberspace, this cooperation is essential,” she said.

Estonia’s Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, who presided over the meeting said: “Existing international law applies in cyberspace, with states accountable for any acts that contravene their obligations.”

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US, UK, Ireland seek UNSC meet on Tigray

However, the decision to set up a date and time is up to France, which holds the Security Council Presidency in July….reports Asian Lite News

The United States, United Kingdom and Ireland have sought an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting to discuss the issues in Ethiopia’s war-torn Tigray, where rebel fighters were able to enter the regional capital of Mekele on Monday, according to reports quoting several sources.

The reports suggested that the UNSC meeting could be held on Friday.

However, the decision to set up a date and time is up to France, which holds the Security Council Presidency in July.

Meanwhile last week, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had expressed shock at the killing of three staff members of Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) or Doctors Without Borders in Ethiopia’s conflict-hit Tigray region.

“I am deeply shocked by the murder of three MSF humanitarian workers in Tigray, Ethiopia. This is totally unacceptable and an appalling violation of international humanitarian law. The perpetrators must be found and severely punished,” he said in a statement late Saturday.

People display photos of Tigrian deceased fighters during the 45th anniversary of the founding of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) at Mekelle Stadium in Mekelle, northern Ethiopia. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde/IANS)

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Guterres expressed solidarity with UN humanitarian partners who are risking their lives to provide protection and relief to people in Tigray, reports Xinhua news agency.

The trio were travelling on the afternoon of June 24 when the MSF lost contact with them.

The next morning, their vehicle was found empty and their bodies were lying a few meters away, according to the MSF.

Since November 2020, the Ethiopian government has been undertaking military operations against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, which ruled the region.

Guterres reiterated the need for all parties to uphold their responsibilities under international humanitarian law and international human rights law and to ensure the protection of civilians.

He called for an independent and swift investigation into this incident.

The UN chief further called for an immediate end to the fighting in Tigray and for urgent steps to peacefully resolve the conflict.

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India, G4 allies force amendment to UNGA decision

India’s Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti declared, “IGN can no longer be used as a smokescreen today with this amended rollover decision.”…reports Asian Lite News

India and its G4 allies have forced General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir to accept an amendment to the decision on rolling Security Council reform negotiations to the next Assembly session during a meeting at which he and Germany’s Permanent Representative Christoph Heusgen clashed openly dropping the genteel style of diplomacy.

As the Assembly failed year after to make headway on the reform process, the intergovernmental negotiations (IGN) have been quietly bumped to the next session’s agenda, but this time on Tuesday the G4 prevailed in bringing the issue to the open for a discussion and have the decision amended to reflect the call of world leaders to reinvigorate the reform process.

India’s Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti declared, “IGN can no longer be used as a smokescreen today with this amended rollover decision.”

This was likely the first time that the rollover decision was discussed and amended.

Diplomatic sources said that this development was a breakthrough because for the first time it puts on official UN record the discussion on reforms and the various stances because the IGN discussions take place in informal meetings without any official records.

The G4 had wanted the decision to reaffirm “the commitment of the Heads of State and Government representing the people of the world to ‘instil new life in the discussion on the reform of the Security Council’.”

Those words were taken directly from the declaration adopted in September by the heads of state and government commemorating the 75th anniversary of the UN’s founding.

With several countries rallying behind the G4 demand for the amendment, Qatar’s Permanent Representative Alya bint Ahmed Al Thani, who is also the IGN co-chair, formally proposed accepting it through a consensus.

Pakistan, Italy and their allies and China, who opposed amending the decision, backed down and with Bozkir accepting it, the amendment was accepted unanimously.

Tirumurti said that “by agreeing to include our leaders promise to instil new life in our role or decision, we are reaffirming once more that what we are engaged in in the IGN is not simply a series of academic debates. Our mandate is to deliver on Security Council reform, not just to discuss it ad infinitum.”

In a spirit of compromise, the G4 did not press two other minor changes in the wording of another section of the decision.

The G4 is made up of India, Brazil, Germany and Japan, which work together for Council reforms that would add more permanent members and support each other for permanent seats on an expanded Council.

Bozkir had circulated earlier this month the written draft of what in UN parlance is called an “oral decision” for adoption last Wednesday.

But Heusgen vigorously accused him last Wednesday of failing to consult other members and groups on the draft decision as previous Assembly presidents had done and unilaterally presenting it.

As the tide of opposition swelled, it was decided to postpone the issue to Tuesday.

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources said, Al Thani facilitated consultations on the G4 amendment proposal and a majority of countries backed it leading to a consensus for including the world leaders’ call, which makes it a mandate and adds an element of urgency.

Heusgen, who is leaving the position of Germany’s Permanent Representative soon, did not mince words on Tuesday, lashing out against Bozkir as well as countries like Pakistan and China that oppose reforms to enlarge permanent membership.

At the meeting last week the matters became personal when Heusgen accused Bozkir of taking the position of his country, Turkey, on reforms instead of staying neutral as Assembly President.

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Turkey is a member, along with Pakistan and Italy, of the group known as Uniting for Consensus (UfC), which opposes expanding the permanent membership of the Council and has successfully used procedural measures to stall reforms.

“This is not the task of the President of the General Assembly to represent the position of one group,” Heusgen said.

He said that he was “shocked” that Bozkir had not held consultations “in contradiction to the practice of your predecessors” and that there was no mention of the mandate given by the 193 world leaders for reforms.

germany

Bozkir shot back on Tuesday with the threat of a “dangerous” eruption and accused Heusgn of breaking diplomatic traditions.

He said that some delegates have been surprised at his silence when Heusgen – whom he called a “plain-speaking man in New York” without naming him – “showed some arrows to me” and was “very sentimental and not in line with the diplomatic traditions of the General Assembly.”

But Bozkir said that his first name Volkan means volcano. There were two types of volcano and the dangerous one is the “silent Vesuvius” and “the day it will erupt, it will spread huge destruction,” he said.

“I remain silent in that reply to the distinguished representative, but I just want to clarify that my silence was in line with the Vesuvius volcano style” he warned.

Heusgen said on Tuesday that he was surprised that Pakistan and China said that asking to add the call for instilling “new life” to the reforms process was “controversial elements” or “aggressive demands.”

Japanese-Prime-Minister-Yoshihide-Suga

Heusgen suggested that the IGN break away from its quest for consensus and instead vote on the reform – which would require a two-thirds majority in the Assembly.

He also exposed the behind the scenes machinations to block the reform process.

One of the tactics used by those countries blocking the reform process is to prevent the IGN from adopting a negotiating text on which to base the discussions. The negotiations then get trapped in a Sisyphian exercise without such a document to move it forward.

“Those countries who then put pressure on delegates here, or put pressure in capitals to prevent delegations from asking for a text-based negotiations or single text, (should) stop that,” he said.

“I hope to see the last of these pressure tactics,” he added.

China has pressured countries through its aid programmes to oppose reforms, according to diplomatic sources.

The Turkish news media, Daily Sabah, has quoted Heusgen as telling the Anandolous new agency, “Unfortunately, two countries – and this is China and Russia – are blocking all our progress toward real negotiations.”

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India lauds UAE’s inclusion in UNSC

India and the UAE will both be in the Security Council till India’s elected term ends on 31st December next year, reports Asian Lite News

Describing the UAE as “an important voice in the United Nations,” India has welcomed the country’s election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

“India’s bilateral relations with the UAE are at an all-time high. We work closely with the UAE in the UN,” said T S Tirumurti, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, in a statement on the UAE’s election.

India is currently a non-permanent member of the Security Council. India and the UAE will both be in the Security Council till India’s elected term ends on 31st December next year.

Tirumurti said India “co-sponsored and strongly supported” the UN General Assembly resolution recently moved by the UAE to observe an International Day of Human Fraternity. “On behalf of India, I was also one of the speakers at an event organised on 4th February by UAE’s Permanent Mission to the UN to mark this day. We will continue such close cooperation in the Security Council as well.”

Describing the Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN in New York, Lana Nusseibeh as a “very dynamic Ambassador,” Tirumurti thanked her for having “actively participated and collaborated with India when our Permanent Mission celebrated the International Day of Women in March this year.”

Tirumurti was India’s senior-most diplomat in charge of relations with the Gulf and Arab countries at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi before he was posted as Permanent Representative to the UN in New York last year.

Global recognition of UAE’s principled position

Nearly 35 years after serving on the Security Council in 1986-1987 for the first time, the UAE is now taking on this responsibility at a time the world is experiencing unprecedented challenges.

“Following the same steps and principles on which it was founded, the UAE will pursue its efforts to maintain international peace and security in cooperation with the members of the council,” affirmed H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, when the UAE announced its candidacy for this two-year seat last year.

The scale of the responsibility is great, and the challenges are more complex and urgent. From issues of peace, sustainability, climate change, extremism and terrorism to an unprecedented pandemic that shattered all records.

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However, the UAE has the expertise and conscious understanding to help find more sustainable solutions to many of these issues that concern the world, based on a great legacy and close relations with all countries and international organisations.

The slogan “Stronger with our Union” reflected the depth of understanding of the importance of global cooperation and interdependence to build up resilience and enhance international peace and security.

During its membership in the UNSC, the UAE has a lot to present, foremost among which is its experience in institutionalising gender equality, fostering tolerance and countering terrorism and extremism, addressing climate change issues, prioritising humanitarian relief, tackling global health pandemics, and harnessing the potential of innovation for peace.

The UAE’s policy, which is inspired by and based on cooperation, dialogue, diplomacy and tolerance, will have a strong presence during this two-year term. The UAE will share its experience with other council members to help maintain peace and security from traditional security threats, as well as from those posed by pressing global challenges such as climate change.

The 15-nation council has 10 seats for temporary members but is dominated by its five, veto-wielding permanent members: Russia, China, the United States, Britain and France.

World reacts to UAE’s inclusion

UAE winning the seat in the UN Security Council reflects their role in consolidating international peace.

Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen, Secretary-General, OIC

The Sultanate of Oman expresses its support for the UAE government in its duties towards international peace and security issues, and at the same time serving the interests of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Arab and Islamic issues.

Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The development is a culmination of the achievements of the UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and their continuous efforts to establish the pillars of security and stability in the region and unswerving support for Arab causes.

Adel Abdulrahman Al Asoomi, Speaker, Arab Parliament

We congratulate the UAE leadership and people on this historic diplomatic achievement that reflects the country’s tireless efforts to bring peace and security to the world.

Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The election reflects the prominent role played by the UAE at the regional and international levels under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs

ALSO READ: UAE flight ban extended until July 6, says Air India

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India calls for safety of UN peacekeepers

Dr S. Jaishankar (WAM)

India has emphasised that “Protecting the Protectors” should be the primary objective, reports Asian Lite News

Noting that the issue of safety and security of peacekeepers requires a comprehensive approach and concerted efforts by all stakeholders involved, India at a United National Security Council (UNSC) debate on Monday called for looking at the issue both holistically and in a sustained manner.

“We need to look at the issue both holistically and in a sustained manner. India, in keeping with its time tested credentials and commitment to UN Peacekeeping would never be found wanting in this regard,” said India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, K. Nagraj Naidu.

Speaking at the UNSC Open Debate, ‘Peacekeeping Operations: Improving safety and security of peacekeepers’, Naidu drew attention of the Council to the increasing casualties of UN peacemakers over the years.

“UN peacekeepers operate in a complex security environment involving armed groups, non-state actors and terrorists. The ever-expanding mandates of peacekeeping missions with limited resources has only added to the challenges and complexities that peacekeepers face on the ground,” he stated.


Pointing out that the strategy of peacekeepers needing to do more with less, is setting us all up for a potential crisis, Naidu noted that the fallout of such a strategy is glaringly evident in the increasing casualties over the years.

“These challenges are compounded further by the increasing use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by terrorists and armed groups against peacekeepers. The blue helmets, who are currently operating in 13 peacekeeping missions, are under tremendous pressure,” he warned.

Emphasising that “Protecting the Protectors” should be our primary objective, Ambassador Naidu informed that more than 260 peacekeepers have died due to malicious attacks since 2013.

Making suggestions for the Council’s consideration, Naidu urged for putting an end to the tendency of burdening peacekeepers with responsibilities which ought to primarily lie with the host state or other relevant international organisations.

Highlighting that peacekeeping missions cannot be a long-term response to what are fundamentally political problems, the Indian Deputy Permanent Representative stated that it is for the Council to address these issues rather than burden peacekeeping missions beyond their mandate.


He said while a number of initiatives have looked at Improvising Explosive Devise Disposal (IEDD) measures in the field, we are of the view that this problem needs more attention.

Ambassador Naidu suggested that missions facing IED threats should have dedicated resources to counter this particular threat and the training of UN personnel on IED threats, both in-country and prior to deployment, needs to be more context specific.

He stressed upon the need for concerted efforts to upgrade the security infrastructure of camps of UN peacekeepers as a number of casualties have been related to direct attacks on security camps.

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Terming timely and reliable medical evacuation and casualty evacuation, including the use of helicopters with night flight capability and night retrieval operations as essential, Naidu said Force Commanders should be given the direct authority for commanding such air assets to respond in a timely manner to crisis situations or accidents.

Stressing upon that peacekeepers need to be provided full access to medical facilities, in accordance with the golden hour principle, throughout the mission area, he reiterated India’s pledge of a helicopter unit for MINUSMA.

“We have also upgraded our medical facilities at MONUSCO (Goma) and UNMISS (Juba),” he mentioned.

Of the belief that infusion of appropriate technology can play significant role in improving the safety and security of the peacekeepers, Ambassador Naidu called for the use of field-focused, reliable and cost-effective new technologies in peacekeeping operations that are driven by practical needs of end users on the ground is the need of the hour.

He informed the Council, in this regard, India in partnership with UNDPKO Department of Operational Support has been has working towards development of mobile tech platform – UNITE AWARE.

India has contributed US$ 1.64 million toward the project that seeks to develop mobile tech platform that helps increase situational awareness and provides terrain related information to peacekeepers, the Indian representative added.

Calling the training of UN peacekeepers as an essential and strategic investment in peacekeeping, he informed the Council that India’s Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) is looking forward to signing an MOU and partnering with the C4ISR Academy for Peace Operations (UNCAP) to prepare training modules on a range of capabilities.

Besides taking preventive measures to improve the safety and security of peacekeepers, it is also imperative to bring the perpetrators who committed heinous crimes against them, to justice, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative said.

“This needs collaboration and coordination between different stakeholders, including the UN and the host countries where the peacekeepers are deployed and extending assistance to countries who need help to frame these legislations,” he suggested. (INN)

ALSO READ: Jaishankar holds strategy session in NY

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Security Council strongly condemns Afghan terror attack

Security Council strongly condemns Afghan terror attack

The Council members reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation…reports Asian Lite News

The UN Security Council condemned “in the strongest terms” the terror attack in Afghanistan’s Logar province on April 30 that killed at least 26 people and injured 71 others.

In a statement on Monday, the members of the Security Council expressed their sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and to the Afghan government, wishing the injured a speedy and full recovery, reports Xinhua news agency.

Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security, the Council members said.

They underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of the attack accountable and bring them to justice, urging all states to cooperate with the Afghan government and all other relevant authorities.

Afghanistan’s killing fields: Taliban and its mentors have blood on their hands

The Council members reiterated that any acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of their motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed.

They reaffirmed the need for all states to combat threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts, while observing relevant laws and regulations.

Also read:Taliban attack at the peak in Afghanistan 

On Saturday and Sunday, the Taliban has conducted 141 attacks in Afghanistan, mostly in Uruzgan, Zabul, Kandahar, Nangarhar, Badakhshan and Takhar provinces, sources said.

Information obtained by TOLO News shows that at least 20 people were killed in the attacks.

Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry said that more than 100 Taliban fighters were also killed in the last 24 hours. The militant group has however, rejected the figure.

Data collected by TOLO News revealed that in the last 30 days, 438 members of Afghan forces and civilians were killed and more than 500 others were injured.

The data shows that 190 bombings, targeted attacks and offensives took place in the last month.

The figures come as US forces started their withdrawal from Afghanistan on May 1.

The Defence Ministry said that Camp Antonik in the Washir district in the southern province of Helmand was officially handed over to the Afghan National Army’s 215 Maiwand Corp on Sunday.

The Ministry said the camp will be used as a base for Afghan special forces.

Also read:‘Al-Qaeda is still active in Afghanistan’