Iran eyes seat on UN Security Council as Asia representative 

Haaretz 
July 27, 2008
Original Source:  http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1005876.html http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1005876.html

Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki asked the Non-Aligned Movement on Sunday to support Iran's bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. 

Mottaki rallied for the support of the Non-Aligned Movement at a meeting of representatives of the 114-member group, saying that a vote is expected soon and Iran's membership could create a positive development in the performance of the Security Council. 

The Non-Aligned Movement includes countries that tried to act as a buffer between East and West during the Cold War. 

Since Libya gained a seat on the Security Council in January, diplomats and critics have been finding it difficult to accept its presence as a member of the Council. Iran's announced aim to submit its candidacy has bolstered the feeling among many that the council is losing its status and prestige. 

Iran, who currently has three Security Council resolutions against it including sanctions aimed at compelling the Islamic republic to abandon its nuclear aspirations, seeks to join the Security Council for a two-year period starting in 2009, replacing Indonesia as the representative of Asia. 

The likelihood is that Japan, another contender for the position, will defeat Iran and win the seat.