RP bid for UN Security Council seat endorsed

The Asian caucus in the United Nations General Assembly in New York City has endorsed the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the 2004-2005 term, Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople said yesterday.

Ople told a press briefing that in the absence of any other announced candidacy from Asia, the Asian consensus means that the Philippines may have clinched the prestigious UNSC seat to be vacated by Syria in December 2003.

The unanimous endorsement from the Asian bloc "is an unmistakable proof of the high regard in which the Philippines is held by our fellow Asians and their confidence (in us) to face up to the challenges both nationally and internationally," he said.

"We can now represent the voice of Asia. We will have the clout to advance the interests of Asian countries. This will mean that we will cease to be a powerless spectator," Ople said.

He added that capturing a non-permanent seat in the 15-nation UNSC validates the "rising political stature of the Philippines in the international community" under the leadership of President Arroyo.

"The Philippine membership would not only provide important opportunities for the country in its own efforts to fight terrorism but would also recognize the commitment and regional leadership of the Philippines in the war against terrorism," Ople said as he noted the central role being played by the UNSC in the global war on terror.

"We can anticipate that in all future issues we can be a source of stability in the UN and be a voice of developing countries in our region. As a member of the Security Council we will have the clout of advancing the interests of poorer countries," he added.

While attending the 57th UN General Assembly, Ople said he orchestrated the final drive to clinch the UNSC seat for the Philippines under the inspired leadership of Philippine permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Alfonso Yuchengco and his deputy, Ambassador Enrique Manalo.

Earlier, Mrs. Arroyo also secured the firm commitment of New Zealand to vote for the Philippines’ bid for the UNSC seat.

This was during her meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark at the end of the two-day Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit in Los Cabos, Mexico.

The Philippines last occupied a non-permanent seat in the UNSC in 1981. At that time, Ople said the UNSC was not yet as prestigious and powerful as it is today.

The elections for the UNSC seats will be in October next year. There are 15 countries with seats in the UNSC, of which five are permanent members – the United States, Russia, France, China and Britain.