UN Security Council condemns Sudan government’s control over Abyei; India weighs options on raising Syria issue in UNSC; Indian appointed as head to UN Chief’s Change Management Team (CMT); Divergent views on UNSC expansion between India and Germany
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    • The Security Council strongly condemned the Sudanese government’s control over Abyei demanded that the Sudanese government withdraw immediately from the area. The Council called for an immediate halt to the looting, burning and resettlement and stressed that those responsible for violations of international law be held accountable. The Council also called on all parties to respect humanitarian principles and allow humanitarian access to individuals affected by the conflict.1

    Reports noted that as the West tries to report Syria to the UN Security Council and U.S.-piloted proposal to refer Syria to the UNSC may come up before the board of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the coming week, India is weighing its options. According to India’s Special Envoy to the PM for West Asia, Chinmaya Gharekhan, India, in principle would not support raising the matter at the UN but at the same time, he noted that Syria should abide by its obligations by cooperating with the IAEA.2

    In other developments, the UN chief Ban Ki-moon appointed an Indian, Atul Khare as head of his Change Management Team (CMT) tasked with suggesting reforms to make UN functions more efficient. The agenda includes, ‘formulation of a comprehensive plan to streamline processes, increase accountability and improve the efficiency of the organization in the delivery of its mandates’.3

    Meanwhile, during German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s visit to India, divergent views were evident between the two countries on the expansion of the UN Security Council. While Germany is likely to opt for an interim solution, i.e., becoming a member of the UNSC without the right to veto, India, on the other hand expects membership with full rights.4

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