No ‘particular concern’ from Pakistan on UNSC seat for India:US

WASHINGTON - Pakistan has not any expressed “particular concern” about US President Barack Obama’s endorsement of India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, according to a US official.

“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 Philip J. Crowley told reporters Friday.

Asked about media reports that Islamabad had expressed resentment about Obama’s endorsement he said: “I think they understand what we told them, and beyond that, I’ll leave it to the Government of Pakistan to describe its own reaction.”

“Again, no one should see this in zero sum terms,” Crowley said when asked if he felt that Obama’s endorsement will make Pakistan less motivated to support US efforts in the war on terror.

“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.”

“But this 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,” Crowley said. “It does not.”

Asked if any other countries have expressed negative opinion about Obama’s endorsement, he said: “I haven’t got a full array here. I’m sure there are a variety of countries that have reacted to this.”