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UN partial to Pak: Natwar Singh

Former external affairs minister K Natwar Singh has accused the United Nations of 'favouring' Pakistan on the Kashmir issue.

The UN, he said, had not taken up India's case on the issue properly despite her 'having been a great supporter of the world body'.

Speaking in New Delhi at a function to organise the UN Day, Singh said the only way to strengthen the body was to enlarge the Security Council by giving representation to developing countries like India, Brazil, Egypt and Nigeria.

He expressed dismay over the UN becoming a ''stooge in the hands of the United States'' which, he said, had become very strong after the disintegration of the former Soviet Union. He hoped the UN would change with the changing world scenario.

Singh, however, had a few words of praise for the UN: Since 1945 when it was set up, it has prevented a world war. It also did a commendable job ending colonialism and eliminating poverty and hunger from many parts of the world.

Singh, the chief guest at the function, unfurled the UN flag. National flags of more than 100 UN member countries were also unfurled in the lawns of the venue.

UN Centre in India Director Feodor Starcevic and several other dignitaries attended the function.

UNI

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