RI seeks permanent seat on UN council<\/p>\n
Ivy Susanti, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Indonesia's success in promoting democracy and peace both at home
\nand internationally has bolstered its confidence in pursuing a
\npermanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).<\/p>\n
Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda told the 59th UN
\nGeneral Assembly on late Monday in New York that the country's
\nachievements in the area of international peace and its
\ncommitment to democratic values had set a good precedent, not
\nonly for other Muslim nations, but also for Western countries.<\/p>\n
\"A developing world striving not only for social and economic
\nprogress but also for democratization must have a voice on the
\nSecurity Council. Moderate Islam must have a voice on the
\nCouncil. Indonesia would be that voice.<\/p>\n
\"That voice will insist, as we now insist, that the fight
\nagainst terrorism, like the related fight against poverty, can be
\nwon,\" Hassan said in his speech, a copy of which was made
\navailable to The Jakarta Post on Monday by the foreign ministry.<\/p>\n
Indonesia has joined the group of countries -- Japan, India,
\nGermany, Brazil and South Africa -- vying for permanent
\nmembership on the Security Council.<\/p>\n
The UN Security Council comprises five permanent members --
\nChina, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the
\nUnited States -- and 10 other countries on a two-year rotational
\nseats. Non-permanent members have no veto power.<\/p>\n
Last year, Australian Prime Minister John Howard proposed to
\nUN Secretary-General Kofi Annan that the Council revamp itself to
\ninclude a permanent seat for Indonesia as the world's most
\npopulous Muslim nation.<\/p>\n
Hassan mentioned last week's successful election as proof that
\ndemocracy and Islam could go very well together.<\/p>\n
\"As the country with the largest Muslim population, Indonesia
\nhas proven that Islam can be a bastion of democracy and social
\njustice. Indeed, our deep sense of spirituality inspired our
\npeople to resoundingly reject money politics, corruption,
\nterrorism and all forms of extremism. It was also our beacon
\ntoward reform,\" he said.<\/p>\n
He also said Indonesia had continued to strengthen its
\nrelations with neighboring countries, particularly through
\nregional groupings like the Association of Southeast Asian
\nNations (ASEAN).<\/p>\n
In addition, the country's achievements in maintaining peace
\nwas evident in its participation in more than 30 peacekeeping
\noperations since 1957.<\/p>\n
While condemning terrorism, Hassan said Indonesia, a victim of
\nthree deadly terror attacks, was certain that the fight against
\nterror could be won through a global coalition with open
\nmembership.<\/p>\n
Finally, Hassan called on all nations to join hands in
\npromoting democracy.<\/p>\n
\"Democracy is never a miracle. Never a gift nor something
\nimposed. It is always hard earned, often the fruit of many
\nsacrifices. And its ultimate worth depends entirely upon us, the
\npeople -- whether we have the political maturity, the wisdom and
\nthe courage to make it work and make it endure.<\/p>\n
\"To that end, we in Indonesia are devoutly committed.\"<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ri-seeks-permanent-seat-on-un-council-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }