Five new countries, including Greece, were elected to temporary membership on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Their memberships will expire in two years. The terms of Argentina, Denmark, Japan, Greece and Tanzania will begin on January 1st. The new members will replace Sili, Germany, Pakistan, and Spain. Turkey continues its diplomatic efforts to secure its two year term for the years 2009-2010.
Greece's Foreign Minister Petros Molyriatis said, "The election of Greece as a temporary member of the UN Security Council is the symbol of its influence and prestige outside of its own borders". The Greek Minister remembered that Greece's last assignment to such a position was 52 years ago. "This is a big honour for our country". Molyriatis noted that his country will work for the development and consolidation of human rights and democracy.
The Security Council is composed of five permanent members and 10 temporary ones. Five out of the 10 temporary members are elected once a year while the other five are elected the following year. These member countries stay in the office for two years.
In Cyprus, the UN Peace Keeping force told Greek Cypriot Leader Tassos Papadopulos, "The UN financed the Greek Cypriot side for a 'yes' answer to the Annan Plan. UN institutions have always supported the studies and projects of NGOs that aim to reconcile the two sides on "bizonality" and for this support, their attitude, whether opposite or not, is not taken into account".
By: N. Peter Kramer
