Friday, June 16 2006 14:36 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: Pakistan has indicated that it is likely to challenge the Indian nominee for the UN Secretary General post Shashi Tharoor and said it believes that his candidature showed New Delhi giving up its bid for a permanent seat in the Security Council, a claim rejected by India.

Islamabad believes that New Delhi fielding a candidate for the post of UN Secretary-General clearly indicates that it has given up its bid for a permanent seat in the Security Council for lack of support, its Ambassador Munir Akram told reporters after India announced Tharoor's nomination for the post.

It is a tradition that permanent members of UNSC or countries aspiring to be its permanent members do not field candidates for the post of UN Secretary General, he said, adding he did not know India's mind but this was the view of the diplomatic community here.

If those aspiring to become permanent members field a candidate, it is clear that they have come to the conclusion that they are unlikely to achieve their objective in the near future, he said.

Indian Ambassador to the UN Nirupam Sen rejected Akram's contention, stressing that the two issues are 'unrelated' and that New Delhi would continue to vigorously pursue its ambition to join the exclusive club in the 15-member Council.