Pak not seeking permanent UN Security Council seat: Qureshi
By ANIMonday, December 20, 2010
ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that his country was not seeking a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
In a written reply during a question-hour session at the National Assembly, Qureshi said that the idea of permanent membership in the council is contrary to the spirit of democracy and accountability, the Daily Times reports.
He further maintained that the restructuring of the council should done only after developing a consensus among all the nine countries.
The UNSC is one of the principal organs of the United Nations, and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security.
Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action.
There are 15 members of the Security Council, consisting of five veto-wielding permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and 10 elected non-permanent members with two-year terms. (ANI)
