Winds of change blowing in West Asia and Africa: PM

Noting the "winds of change" that are blowing in West Asia and North Africa, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today said people have the right to choose their destiny but advocated strict adherence to the United Nations framework while initiating any international action.

The Prime Minister's comment comes at a time when countries like Egypt, Libya and Yemen have witnessed mass uprisings against their rulers.
NATO forces have already undertaken military action in Libya, where a civil war-like situation prevails, with Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi facing a revolt in his country.

India has called for an end to the conflict in Libya and has spoken against the international military action. At the UN Security Council, India abstained from voting when the Libya resolution was put to vote.

"The winds of change are blowing in West Asia and North Africa. We believe it is the right of all peoples to determine their own destiny and choose their own path of development," he said while addressing the Joint Session of the two Houses of the Parliament of Ethiopia. He added, "International actions must be based on the rule of law and be strictly within the framework of United Nations Resolutions".

Singh who is on a tour to the African continent also said India supports the efforts of the African Union in bringing peace and stability to the region.