Germany makes a strong pitch for India's UNSC candidacy

New Delhi, Oct. 2 (ANI): Reiterating Germany's support for India's candidature for non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council, elections for which will be taking place later this month, Germany's Ambassador to India Thomas Matussek said the UNSC does not reflect current realities, and added that India's inclusion will be in the larger interests of South Asia.

"In the Security Council, you do not have India. How can you talk about South Asia without India? It is ridiculous. This is why, I believe, India belongs into the Security Council as an elected member but also, in the long run, as a permanent member."

India expects to join the Security Council as a non-permanent member following the elections which is expected to take place on October 12.

After Kazhakstan's withdrawal, India is the sole contender from Asia in the forthcoming elections and is confident of getting a seat in the powerful grouping, whereas Germany is competing against Canada and Portugal for one of two non-permanent seats on the security council reserved for Western states.

The non-permanent members, which serve a term of two years, are elected by the General Assembly.

The last time India had a seat on the Council was in 1992.

India, Brazil, Japan and Germany are all seeking a permanent seat on the Council.

Both India and Germany which are the founder members of the Group of Four have renewed their respective campaigns and are lobbying hard for securing permanent and non-permanent seats at the UNSC. Both countries have decided to support each other to achieve the aim.

Ambassador Matussek told reporters here: "As you know, India and Germany are the founder members of the so-called Group of Four. We believe that the Security Council does not reflect anymore, the geo-political realities of the 21st century. We believe that Germany, India, Brazil and Japan should have a permanent seat. We are trying to go about."

Last month, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session, G-4 foreign ministers jointly pressed for an early movement on the issue of reforms, which they believe is essential to reflect the realities of the present day world. They pledged support to each others' candidature while agreeing to push ahead for an early expansion of the powerful body.

Germany's attempts to become a permanent member of the council in the past have been unsuccessful, although it has been a non-permanent member on four occasions, the last in 2003-2004. By Naveen Kapoor (ANI)