Ahad 10 Jun 2018 06:00 WIB

Indonesia to put forward Palestine issue in UNSC

Indonesia represents the Asia-Pasific Group as non-permanent member of UNSC.

Red: Reiny Dwinanda

Foto: AP

Foreign Ministers Heiko Maas, left, of Germany, Lindiwe Sisulu, second from left, of South Africa, Miguel Vargas, center, of the Dominican Republic, Retno Marsudi, second from right, of Indonesia, and Didier Reynders, of Belgium pose for photographers in the Security Council chambers after their countries were elected one of five non-permanent members of the Security Council, Friday, June 8, 2018 at United Nations headquarters.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Issues related to the plights of Palestinians, who have long been struggling for an independent state, will get prominence during Indonesia's terms as a non permanent member of UN Security Council 2019-2020. Palestine issue will also become Indonesia's focus during its terms as a non-permanent member of UN Security Council, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi said in a video conference live from New York, here on Friday evening.

Indonesia was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2019-2020 terms after member-states of the world body have voted in New York on Friday.

"Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), during the UN General Assembly, Indonesia was elected as a non-permanent member of UN Security Council representing the Asia-Pacific Group to replace Kazakhstan which will conclude its terms at the end of 2018." Minister Marsudi said.

Indonesia competed with the Maldives for one seat allocated to the Asia-pacific group. As many as 190 member states of the UN voted in the UNSC election 2018 on Friday, therefore, only 126 votes, or two-thirds, are required by the candidates to be elected.

President of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly Miroslav Lajcak announced the result of the Friday's voting that Indonesia gained 144 votes while Maldives got 46 votes.

Indonesia was elected as a non-permanent member of UNSC for 2019-2020 along with South Africa from African Group, Dominican Republic from Latin American and Caribbean Group, and Belgium and Germany from Western European and Others Group.

During its terms, Indonesia will focus on strengthening the ecosystem of global peace and stability, Marsudi said.

Moreover, Indonesia will encourage a habit of dialog in resolving conflict and improve capacity of UN peacekeeping force including promoting the role of women peacekeeper in UN peacekeeping missions.

Furthermore, Marsudi noted, Indonesia will promote the establishment of global comprehensive approach to combat terrorism, radicalism and extremism.

Previously, Indonesia has held the seat three times in 1973-1974, 1995-1996, and 2007-2008. The Security Council has 15 members --five permanent (United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China) and 10 non-permanent serving for two years.

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