India abstains from UNSC vote for imposition of no-fly zone over Libya; India wishes to fight piracy under the UN flag; Humanitarian agencies in Somalia exempt from UNSC financial sanctions
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  • India abstained from voting on a United Nations Security Council Resolution approving ‘all necessary measures’, including imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya. The resolution also calls for stronger enforcement of the U.N. arms embargo imposed in February, adds names of individuals, companies and other entities to the list of those subject to travel bans and asset freezes, and requires all countries to ban Libyan flights. India’s Deputy Ambassador to the U.N. Manjeev Singh Puri said that the country abstained because the resolution authorizes “far reaching measures ... with relatively little credible information on the situation on the ground in Libya.”1 Despite being pressurized into voting by the U.S., India’s position remained clear of not supporting the use of force. India contended that the UNSC should have focused on ceasefire and bringing violence under control. India said there was no clarity on details of enforcement measure and also expressed concern for civilians including its own nationals. India also pointed out the lack of a report by the Special U.N. Envoy on Libya or even from the Secretariat.2

    Meanwhile, Expressing concern over “linkages of terrorists based in Somalia with transnational organized crime”, India has said it wants to fight piracy, but under the UN flag. The Defence Ministry stated in its annual report placed before the Parliament, “India is in favour of strengthening multilateral cooperation under a UN framework to meet the complex challenges of maritime security... the threat of piracy emerging from Somalian waters continues to endanger the safety of sea lanes and is a matter of concern for the international community. ”3

    In other developments, the Security Council voted to exempt the work of humanitarian agencies operating in Somalia for a period of 16 months from a resolution that obliges states to impose financial sanctions on groups and individuals who obstruct efforts to restore peace and stability in the country.4

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