Turkish membership in UNSC starts amid Gaza crisis

1 January 2009 /TODAY'S ZAMAN

Turkey will officially assume its position as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council today, at a time when urgent international efforts have gained momentum to end the Israeli-Hamas conflict through a declaration calling for an immediate cease-fire.

The 15-member Security Council comprises five permanent and 10 nonpermanent members, five of whom retire each year and their replacements are chosen by the UN General Assembly. As of today, the Security Council will be composed of the US, Russia, Britain, France and China (permanent members); Libya, Vietnam, Burkina Faso, Costa Rica and Croatia (due to retire on Dec. 31, 2009); and Japan, Mexico, Uganda, Austria and Turkey (due to retire on Dec. 31, 2010).

Earlier this week, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon demanded an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and urged Middle East and world leaders to do more to help end the Israeli-Hamas conflict and promote political dialogue.

"I think regional and international partners have not done enough," the UN chief said.

The Security Council issued a press statement early on Sunday expressing their serious concern at the escalating situation in Gaza and called on Israel and the Palestinians to immediately halt all violence. While not legally binding, its unanimous adoption was a reflection of world opinion.

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