Annan in India to focus on UN reform
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan plans to focus on his proposals to reform the United Nations and better protect human rights when he meets Indian leaders tomorrow.
Annan, who arrived in India late yesterday, told reporters at the airport he would discuss “UN reform and issues of mutual interest”.
India has for years sought a permanent seat on the Security Council, saying the world’s largest democracy deserves to have a more influential role in UN affairs. There are currently five permanent members on the council: the US, China, Britain, France and Russia.
Annan will hold talks with President Abdul Kalam, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi, head of the governing coalition, and several other political leaders and top government officials.
Human rights issues also would feature during the talks, Annan said.
Newspaper reports said Indian officials also planned to apprise Annan of the situation in south Asia, especially India’s improving relations with rival Pakistan.
Today, Annan is scheduled to meet UN staff and aid groups working on prevention of HIV/Aids in India.
This is his third visit to India. The earlier trips were in April 1997 and March 2001. His term ends in December 2006.
