Updated 04:17 p.m. Moscow Time
EDINBURGH, September 11 (RIA Novosti) – Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond said Thursday that independent Scotland would participate in any international military operations only in case that such efforts are backed by the UN Security Council.
"Upholding International law is very important for us and that has guided our attitude, not just the Scottish National Party but the Scottish Parliament, to a range of international disputes and conflicts," Salmond said adding that an independent Scotland would only participate in international military action if backed by the UN Security Council.
Salmond added that he favored UN joint efforts on the issues like fight against the Islamic State.
Last month, Salmond said that in terms of military action it was "imperative that the UK Government moves through the United Nations route and does not repeat the tragic mistakes of 11 years ago."
The statement was made in reference to the 2003 Iraq War which went ahead without receiving the UN backing amid controversy about its legality.
"There can be no effective military action without international legality," The Scotsman quoted Salmond as saying.
On September 18, Scotland is scheduled to hold a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom. The voters will be asked one question, "Should Scotland become an independent country?"
