India expresses concern over piracy off the coast of Somalia; India criticises missile launch by North Korea; India satisfied with Climate talks in Doha; Divisions continue over UN internet talks; UN condemns the arrest of Mali’s PM; Security Council expr
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    • According to reports, speaking at the UN General Assembly session, India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, V D Sharma expressed serious concern over piracy especially, off the coast of Somalia saying that the “menace” endangers lives of seafarers and affects national security. India called on the international community as a whole to continue to extend full cooperation in efforts towards ensuring the proper management and sustainable use of the oceans and seas. 1

    In another development, the latest successful missile launch by North Korea was criticised by the UN Security Council. Meanwhile, India said that the action violated UN Security Council resolution 1974. India further added that the unwarranted action by the government of DPRK adversely impacted peace and stability in the Korea Peninsula and called on the North Korea to refrain from such actions. 2

    According to reports, at the Doha Climate Change Negotiations, India managed to retrieve ground it had lost in Copenhagen and Durban. The final outcome of the Doha negotiations has accommodated issues like intellectual property rights in technology transfer and development, equity and unilateral measures. India will also continue to push for a broader treatment on these important issues and make them the key elements of future negotiations. 3

    Reports noted that the closed-door talks at the 193-nation UN International Telecommunications Union have led to deep divisions with Russia and others advocating for more government sway while the US-led group warned against restrictions on freedom in cyberspace. The conference held in Dubai is not empowered to bring about any immediate changes on how the internet operates. 4

    According to reports, the UN Security Council and Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the arrest of Mali’s Prime Minister by members of the country’s armed forces and the eventual dismissal of the government. Ban Ki-moon also called for an end to military interference in politics. The Council stressed its commitment to authorize the immediate deployment of the African-led International Support Mission in Mali. 5

    The UN Security Council expressed ‘serious concern’ over the lack of progress in the restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau. The 15-member body underscored that stabilisation can be achieved only through a consensual, inclusive and nationally-owned transition process that was based on genuine dialogue and effective civilian oversight over the military. 6

    In other developments, the sanctions imposed on Liberia was extended by the Security Council due to the lack of progress in implementing the financial measures imposed by a 2004 Council resolution that demanded that all assets of former president Charles Taylor and others be frozen. The Council also demanded that the Liberian government make all necessary efforts to fulfil its obligations. 7

    The UN Security Council extended the term of office of the five judges serving with the UN International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda until 31 December 2014 or until the completion of the cases to which they are assigned. 8

    The Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Vinod Rai has been re-elected as the Chairman of the UN Panel of External Auditors for 2013. 9

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