India seeks timeframe for nuclear disarmament

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United Nations, Jan 28: Pressing for a timeframe for complete nuclear disarmament, India has urged nuclear weapon states to take steps to prevent proliferation of atomic arms and ensure they do not fall in the hands of terrorists. It also asked UN member states to show political will for an early adoption of the comprehensive convention on international terrorism, moved by the country in 1996.

In view of the “difficult and significant” threat UN member states must show political will for early adoption of the comprehensive convention on global terrorism, Indian ambassador to UN Nirupam Sen told a meeting of the general Assembly.

He was intervening in a debate on the report of the high-level panel, appointed by secretary general Kofi Annan, on meeting challenges that the world faces now and would face in future.

Observing that the panel has rightly identified international terrorism as one of the most significant threats, Mr Sen commended the draft comprehensive convention on terrorism and expressed the hope that the members would show political will and flexibility for its early adoption.

Referring to the panel’s reference to danger of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the possible links with terrorism, he emphasised India’s call for general and complete disarmament, in particular nuclear disarmament, in a time bound manner under effective international control.

He also asked the world body to play a central role in setting the global economic agenda, a role which it played till mid 1970.