Pakistan assumes UNSC presidency

Pakistan assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council on Saturday for the month of May.
According to a press release issued by the Foreign Office here on Saturday, this is Pakistan's second presidency of the Security Council during its current two-year term (2003-04). Pakistan held its first presidency during this term in May last year.
Pakistan was elected to a non-permanent seat of the Security Council in September 2002. This is Pakistan's sixth term on the Council.
Pakistan has participated extensively in the Council since assuming membership in January 2003.
In line with its abiding commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, Pakistan has worked assiduously to promote the peaceful settlement of international disputes, implementation of United Nations resolutions, and an enhanced UN role in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and post-conflict peace-building.
Pakistan's contribution to UN peacekeeping operations in different parts of the world has increased significantly. Today it is the largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping operations.
Pakistan has proposed a special meeting on May 17 on peacekeeping operations, which will be presided over by Foreign Minister Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri.
Pakistan has promoted the need for a comprehensive and integrated response by the UN and its family of organisations to complex crises where military, political economic, social and humanitarian issues are involved.
During its presidency this month, Pakistan will work to further promote the principles of the UN Charter and project the UN's positive role in international peace and security.
The Security Council is expected to consider a whole range of subjects in May, including several African issues, on its agenda as well as the regular review of the situation in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
The Council is also expected to take up Iraq and consider the proposals for the political and security arrangements after June 30 when the transfer of sovereignty is to be made to an Iraqi interim government.
Several other issues, including Timor-Leste, Haiti and Kosovo, are also expected to be considered by the Council during the month.
"Pakistan remains deeply committed to openness and transparency in the work of the Security Council. The Pakistan presidency will work to further advance these objectives, as well as promote Council unity and action by consensus," the press release concluded.