In a major setback to New Delhi, US refuses veto power support to India in UNSC
Shares
NEW DELHI - The US has congratulated India for ICJ Judge election, but asserted that it is against any change in the current veto structure of the UN Security Council, even as it favors a modest expansion of the 15-membered body, Zee news has reported.
India's Dalveer Bhandari was yesterday re-elected to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) with more than two-thirds of the UN members backing him, forcing Britain to withdraw its candidate amidst high drama in the hard-fought race to the world court.
Responding to questions on reform of the 15-membered apex wing of the world body, a State Department spokesperson said: The United States remains open in principle to the idea of UN Security Council reform, including a modest expansion of the Security Council.
"We believe a reformed council must reflect the realities of the 21st century and be able to meet the challenges of this century with enhanced -- and not diminished -- effectiveness and efficiency. To this end, we remain opposed to any alteration or expansion of the veto, the spokesperson told PTI.
The spokesperson was asked about reform of the UNSC in view of the differences that emerged between the General Assembly and the Security Council during the just concluded election to the ICJ.
