PM leaves for New York

Frankfurt, Sept 22 (PTI) Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh Thursday left for New York after an overnight halt here
to participate in the high-level segment of the United Nations
General Assembly.
On Saturday, he will address the Assembly during which he
will focus on UN Security Council reforms, particularly
expansion of the world body's top organ.
In a statement before his departure, Singh had said, "The
United Nations must be seen as an impartial, credible and
effective body. I will stress the need for early reform of
this unique organisation, particularly an expansion of its
Security Council".
He had said that efforts by India to promote
international peace and security after it became a
non-permanent member of the Security Council has enriched the
policy making body's effectiveness.
During his visit to New York, Singh will be holding
bilateral meetings with the Presidents of Iran Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad; South Sudan Salva Kiir; and Sri Lanka Mahinda
Rajapaksa; and Prime Ministers of Japan Yoshihiko Noda; and
Nepal Baburam Bhattarai.
India is seeking a permanent berth in the Security
Council. It became a non-permanent member of this body in
January this year after a gap of 19 years.
The Prime Minister is attending the UNGA after a gap of
two years.