The Nepali government insists that the Himalayan country would not give up its bid for UNSC membership, a local media report quoted a Nepali foreign ministry spokesman as saying Monday.

Yadav Khanal, spokesperson at the ministry, made it clear that Nepal would not give up its candidacy for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) non-permanent membership. "We are lobbying extensively to win the post," he was quoted by the Nepal Samacharpatra daily.

The daily also quoted foreign ministry officials as saying that Indonesia had urged Nepal to withdraw its candidacy for non- permanent membership of the UNSC as both are competing for the post from Asia.

Indonesia and Nepal are competing for the post from Asia for the period of 2007- 2008 following South Korea withdrew its candidacy to fight for the post of secretary general of the UN.

"Indonesian foreign ministry has asked to withdraw Nepal's candidacy for making single voice for the candidacy of Indonesia from Asia," the official said.

Nepali foreign minister K.P. Sharma Oli has also been lobbying among Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) countries to generate support for Nepal in the 14th NAM meet in Cuba.

Nepal will have to gain two-third votes from 292 member countries of the UN for the membership.

Source: Xinhua