- 17 October 2008
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- Diplomacy, Persian Gulf, UN
This morning, the UN General Assembly voted to appoint the next five non-permanent members of the Security Council, replacing five states whose terms are set to expire at the end of the year. Iran had hoped to gain a seat on the influential body, most likely as a way of opposing further multilateral sanctions against its nuclear program from the inside. However, Japan also sought a seat at the table, and proved to be tough competition.
Just moments ago, Japan easily won a vote of all 192 General Assembly members with 158 votes. Iran only gained the support of 32 nations.
Along with Japan, next year’s Security Council will include new members Uganda, Mexico, Turkey and Austria.