Washington: The US has briefed Pakistan on President Barack Obama`s decision to endorse India for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council and assured Islamabad that his support to the bid is not at its expense.
"We have briefed the government of Pakistan on the President`s announcement. I`m not aware that there was any particular concern expressed," State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said.
"This (Obama`s support) is a reflection of the growing importance of the region to the rest of the world, and Pakistan should not see this as something that comes at their expense. It does not," he said at his daily press briefing.
"I think they (Pakistan) understand what we told them, and beyond that, I`ll leave it to the government of Pakistan to describe its own reaction," Crowley said on the statements from the Pakistan leadership expressing concern about US endorsement of India for the Security Council bid.
Obama, while addressing the joint session of Parliament on Monday during his India visit, said "I can say today, in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed United Nations Security Council that includes India as a permanent member”.
With this US became the fourth country, after Britain, France, and Russia to endorse India for a permanent seat in UNSC. However, Pakistan leadership have opposed to this.
"No one should see this in zero-sum terms. And first of all, understand that there is a process. It involves the Security Council and many countries that will have a say in the possible reform of the UN Security Council," Crowley added.
PTI
