The Latin and Caribbean group at the United Nations has expressed its full support for Egypt's membership to the non-permanent Security Council for the upcoming 2016/2017 period. This backing takes into account both the historical and pivotal role Egypt has played in its efforts to settle the many regional issues that threaten international peace and security in its fight against terrorism.
According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Badr Abdel Aaty, Minister Sameh Shokry said during a meeting with delegates of the group of Latin and Caribbean countries in the United Nations that Egypt's decision to run for the non-permanent seat of the Security Council comes in light of its commitment to continue intensive efforts to maintain international peace. Egypt also hopes to push Third World countries' issues forward and back issues related to reforming the United Nations and the expansion of the Security Council to become more representative of developing countries.
Shokry pointed out that Egypt's decision also stems from its interest in disarmament and nuclear non-proliferation in the framework of respect for international law, as well as interest in the Palestinian cause and the Libyan and Yemeni crises.
Shokry addressed in detail Egypt's efforts in the fight against terrorism as a global phenomenon, expressing the country's aspirations to get the support of Latin American and Caribbean countries in the UN General Assembly elections, scheduled in October to elect the members of the non-permanent Security Council.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
