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Indian Prime Minister Links Democracy to Fighting Terrorism
By our correspondent
New York, September 15-- The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was vocal about the value of democracy in New York during his visit to the UN's 60 th session. In a meeting with professionals from the American-Indian community, he linked democracy to the fight against terrorism saying, “Pluralistic democracy is the best form of defense against terrorism.” This closely matched his statement to the UN General Assembly where he said, “… democratic governance both within nations and in our global institutions would also constitute a powerful weapon in meeting the global scourge of terrorism.”
The Indian Prime Minister also called for reform at the United Nations. He stated, “Its structure and decision-making process reflect the world of 1945, not of 2005.” While this statement was clearly a sign that India wants an increased role in the UN and a spot as a permanent member on the Security Council, part Prime Minister Singh's reasoning was that there is a “democracy deficit” at the UN. He later suggested that it was the responsibility of established democracies to help other countries make democratic transitions in the same way that economically developed countries might help developing countries.
On September 14, Singh announced that India will create an internet center devoted to information on democracy that would act as a forum to discuss experiences relating to democracy.
Sources:
"Democracy is Best Defense against Terror: PM,” Deccan Herald , September 16:
http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/sep162005/update713222005916.asp
"Democracy is Antidote to Terrorism: PM ,” Times of India , September 16:
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1233435.cms
"PM Rejects Any Justification for Terrorism,” rediff.com, September 15:
http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/sep/15pmun10.htm
"Democracy on the Net – Courtesy Indiarediff.com, September 14:
http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/sep/14pmun16.htm
Text of Singh's UN Speech rediff.com:
http://in.rediff.com/news/2005/sep/16pmun.htm
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