September 24, 2011 8:40 PM

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UN should not allow economic slow down to trigger protectionism: PM

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Saturday strongly advocated adopting a co-operative rather than a confrontationist approach in dealing with the challenges of terrorism, economic slowdown and other important global issues.Devoting substantial part of his speech on the economic slow down, Dr Singh said the recovery which was visible after 2008 crisis has yet to blossom. He said in many respects the crisis has deepened even further.Pointing out that the traditional engines of growth United States, Europe and Japan which are sources of global economic and financial stability, are faced with continued economic slowdown. Recessionary trends in these countries, he said are affecting confidence in world financial and capital markets. Dr Singh said economic slow down in major economies is bound to have a negative impact on developing countries which also have to bear the additional burden of inflationary pressures.Building a strong case for urgent reforms in the Security council, Dr Manmohan Singh said United Nations has to be sensitive to the aspirations of everyone – for this the world body and its principal organs, the General Assembly and the Security Council, must be revitalized and reformed.He made it clear the reform and expansion of the Security Council are essential if it is to reflect contemporary reality and enhance its credibility and effectiveness. He called for pursing the reform agenda of the Security Council and said it must be pursued with renewed vigour and urgently enacted.Dr Singh said the reform of governance systems of international financial institutions ought to be pursued with speed and efficiencyHe said United Nations should not allow the global economic slowdown to become a trigger for building walls around ourselves through protectionism or erecting barriers to movement of people, services and capital.Commending the United Nations for its efforts in focusing world attention on nuclear safety, Dr Singh said India’s plans for utilizing nuclear power to meet the energy needs hinge upon full satisfaction about the safety of nuclear energy.He said the government has undertaken a thorough review of the safety of nuclear plants and said India supports international efforts under the aegis of the International Atomic Energy Agency to enhance levels of safety and security.Referring to the upheavals in West Asia and North Africa , Dr Manmohan singh said societies cannot be reordered from outside through military force. He said people in all countries have the right to choose their own destiny and decide their own future.He said the Palestinian question still remains unresolved and a source of great instability and violence. Dr Singh said India is steadfast in its support for the Palestinian people's struggle for a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital. He said New Delhi looks foward to welcoming Palestine as an equal member of the United NationsCalling on the United Nations to play a greater role in assisting the processes of transition and institution building in countries facing upheaval Dr Singh said the idea that prescriptions imposed from outside is fraught with danger.He said actions taken under the authority of the United Nations must respect the unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of individual states.Cautioning the governments in countries facing upheaval, the Prime Minister said they are duty bound to their citizens to create conditions that enable them to freely determine their pathways to development.AIR correspondent covering the UN General Assembly reports that Prime Minister was heard with rapt attention with thumping of desks by members.

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