Mon Oct 15, 2012
Joseph Kim, Press TV, Seoul
South Korea makes last-ditch efforts to garner the required two-thirds of votes to win a seat on the U-N Security Council. Seoul’s chances of winning are high because of its financial status and the claim that a seat on the council would reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
With the United Nations Security Council elections taking place this week, South Korea has been fighting to replace India to represent the Group of Asia and the Pacific Small Island Developing States.
Vying against two other Asian countries, Cambodia and Bhutan, South Korea is emphasizing its role in Northeast Asian security with its strategic location and North Korea’s “threat.” Still, analysts suggest that winning a seat on the Security Council will not resolve the present tensions surrounding the Korean Peninsula.
The analyst added that if South Korea won a Security Council seat, its strong alliance with the US would enhance Washington’s power within the UN.
Despite the fact the developing world now accounts for more than 50 percent of global economic activity, South Korea has a high chance of winning its UN Security Council bid. Though experts believe that neither Cambodia or Bhutan would be fair representations of developing countries, Seoul already served as a member of the security council from 1996 to 1997.
Reports indicate that since Ban Ki-moon was elected Secretary General for the UN, the hiring of South Koreans within the UN has steadily risen - yielding the phrase, “the Koreanization of the UN.” Many feel this upcoming election will favor Seoul because of these aspects.
While Seoul officials are confident they have secured the required number of votes, many believe South Korea’s financial pledges guarantee its U.N. Security Council seat win. Cambodia’s U.N. campaigners expressed regret on this issue saying, “This should not just be about money. It should be about values.”
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