India, Germany to work for U.N. reforms

By C. Raja Mohan

NEW DELHI, MAY 18. India and Germany today affirmed their claim to become permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, and agreed to work together for an early revamping of the UN system.

The two countries, which have already announced their candidature, emphasised here ``the need for reform and balanced enlargement'' of the Security Council in order ``to make it more representative''.

Proclaiming a natural partnership between the two nations, the visiting German Foreign Minister, Mr. Joschka Fischer, and the External Affairs Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, outlined an agenda for bilateral relations in the new century.

At a joint press conference after their talks this evening, Mr. Fischer said India ``is on its way to becoming one of the most important powers in the 21st century''.

Suggesting that this reality must be reflected in a reformed Security Council for the new century, Mr. Fischer indirectly backed India's case for a permanent seat in the UNSC. Declaring India as a ``force for regional stability,'' Mr. Fischer praised India's restraint during the Kargil conflict last year.

The two sides also discussed the unfolding situation in Sri Lanka and the prospects for a peaceful settlement there. Acknowledging the complexity of the Sri Lankan conflict, Mr. Fischer welcomed India's stabilising role in the island nation.

The new Indo-German bonhomie is part of the growing political and economic interaction between India and Europe in the recent years.

Mr. Fischer's visit follows the recent trips to India by the French Foreign Minister, Mr. Hubert Vedrine, and the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Robin Cook.

The two Foreign Ministers stressed the importance of institutionalising the dialogue between India and the European Union, after the first ever summit between the two next month.

Mr. Fischer arrived here this morning from Bangalore for a one- day visit to the capital. He called on the President Mr. K. R. Narayanan, and the Prime Minister, Mr. Atal Behari Vajpayee, and had substantive consultations with Mr. Jaswant Singh. Mr. Fischer's visit comes amidst the altering public perceptions in Germany about India's new technological prowess in the information technology sector, and the contribution Indian professionals could make in helping Germany catch up with the ``new economy''.

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