Indonesia closer to winning Security Council seat

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is virtually ensured of a seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 1995/96 period after winning the endorsement of the so-called Asian Group at the UN.

"Now we are one step closer to becoming a member of the Security Council representing Asia," Nugroho Wisnumurti, the Indonesian ambassador to the UN, told the Antara news agency in New York on Thursday.

Indonesia is bidding for one of the council's two rotating seats that will become available next year, one of which is designated for Asia.

Indonesia's candidacy was discussed by representatives of the Asian Group at the UN on Wednesday and it was agreed that the Asian countries would vote for Indonesia when the issue is decided at the UN General Assembly which opens in October.

"Indonesia has been lobbying for support for the seat from all UN members," Nugroho was quoted as saying.

He added that Indonesia had approached a number of "key countries" in Asia to secure Wednesday's endorsement.

He said he was especially encouraged because the endorsement came early, adding that Wednesday's session concluded with a long standing ovation for Indonesia.

"This shows that the Asian Group is fully behind our candidacy," he said. "Obviously this cannot be separated by the role Indonesia has played as chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement."

The only candidate

Nugroho, however, cautioned that the matter was not yet a done deal despite the ringing endorsement because things could still change between now and the vote at the General Assembly.

He said that so far Indonesia is the only candidate for the council seat designated for Asia and the election will be a virtual formality if this remains by the time the Assembly gathers.

He recalled one instance when a country added its candidacy at the last minute.

"But bearing in mind that we have prepared quite intensively, let's hope this doesn't happen to us, especially given the enthusiasm shown by countries within the Asian Group."

He pointed out that Indonesia has also received support for its candidacy from countries outside Asia.

The Security Council consists of five permanent members and 10 members who rotate every two years. The five permanent members are the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia.

The Non-Aligned Movement, which is chaired by Indonesia, has been lobbying for reform of the Security Council to ensure greater representation of the interests of developing countries. (emb)