China assures India on UNSC permanent membership, support in NSG

New Delhi, Jun 8 (UNI) China has assured India of playing a positive role in the United Nations Security Council to provide New Delhi a permanent membership and convincing Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) to provide uranium for the Indo-US Nuclear deal, official sources said.

The assurance was given during the two-day talks between the Foreign Ministers of both countries Pranab Mukherjee and Yang Jiechi in Beijing.

Official sources said China has understood the importance of India's support on international platform, as from energy security to foodgrain scarcity, similar problems haunt both the countries.

They said China's Foreign Minister assured Mr Mukherjee of working unanimously on issues like climate change, energy crisis, foodgrain shortage and escalating fuel prices.

Mr Yang also assured of supporting India during talks with the UN Security Council and NSG.

Sources that although, China got hurt with the protests during the Olympic torch procession in India, Mr Yang did not even once hint that his country was dissatisfied with the Indian government's role.

He accepted the steps initiated by the Indian government for the safe passage of the Olympic torch were worth praising.

Though, Mr Yang discussed the statements of Dalai Lama and demonstrations in India, he noted it can be understood in terms of Right to Freedom of Speech in the political system of India.

Mr Mukherjee and Mr Yang also discussed calling a meeting of Special Representatives of both the countries soon to discuss the disputes relating to LAC bordering Sikkim to Arunachal to Ladakh.

During dinner at the Indian embassy, China's Foreign Minister told journalists from India that ''our high hopes are on a meeting of Special Representatives of both countries which would be called soon.'' Mr Yang answered the queries of the Indian media in English, which is being regarded as significant in terms of international diplomacy.

This was the first time when any Chinese leader addressed the media in English.

So far, the Chinese leadership had been addressing journalists of others countries in their own language even if they knew English.

The BBC gave a special importance to this, saying Mr Yang was addressing the world community.

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