WASHINGTON, Dec 3 (UNI): The United States is non-committal on its support to India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Asked about India's claim at a press conference yesterday, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said several countries were aspiring to be permanent members of the Security Council and "we'll be looking at that." The US, he said, would be looking closely at recommendations for reform of the UN.
"One area that they talk about is reform of the United Nations Security Council.
We want to make sure that any recommendations that we support improve the overall effectiveness of the United Nations." "We want it to be a results-oriented, multilateral organisation that means what it says, as the President (George W Bush) said earlier today," McClellan added.
He said the US has talked about security reform in the past, and "we're willing to look at options that would enhance the effectiveness of the Security Council." McClellan said charges of UN corruption in the Iraqi oil-for-food program were a "very serious matter." "We believe it should be investigated fully and in an open manner." "We want the United Nations to cooperate closely and fully with congressional authorities, as well, so that all the facts may become known.
And that's the discussion that we've been having recently on this matter."