Bhutan seeks seat on UN Security Council

Bhutan on Wednesday voiced its desire to have a seat on the UN Security Council for the 2013- 2014 term.

The statement came as Daw Penjo, foreign secretary of Bhutan, was speaking at the annual general debate of the 65th session of the UN General Assembly, which kicked off here last Thursday.

“After 39 years of membership, Bhutan continues to believe that the UN still has room and role for smaller states, as equal partners in global affairs, including the maintenance of international peace and security,” Penjo said.

“For this reason, Bhutan is seeking member for a non-permanent seat in the UNSC (United Nations Security Council) for the term 2013-14,” he said.

With the “vast majority” of members “small states,” Penjo urged for equal opportunity for such states to participate in the work of the UN.

The Security Council has 15 members: five permanent members — Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States — and 10 members elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.