Malta is pushing for a seat on the UN Security Council in 2022 when the election for the non-permanent members takes place in New York next year.
It is believed that Malta tried to enlist the support of China, one of the five permanent members on the Security Council, and Israel, during recent visits there by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.
The Foreign Ministry said Malta’s candidature was announced two years ago but lobbying efforts started during the summer of 2012. However, he stopped short of saying whether China and Israel have pledged support.
“As this involves the interests of third countries it would not be prudent to provide details. It is not diplomatic practice to divulge such promises,” a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry said, declining also to confirm whether Malta had enlisted the support of fellow EU member states.
Malta had served for a two-year term on the Security Council in 1983 after a first attempt in 1977 fell short at the last voting stage.
The Security Council is the UN’s most influential body made up of five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US – and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms by the General Assembly. Each member has one vote but the permanent members have veto powers.
The 10 non-permanent seats are distributed on a regional basis: five for African and Asian countries; one for Eastern European countries; two for Latin American and Caribbean countries; two for Western European and other countries. Malta forms part of the Western European and other countries group.
Malta’s accumulated political and diplomatic expertise will allow it to actively contribute
The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and under the UN charter all member states are obliged to comply with its decisions.
It is the body that authorises the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security, imposes sanctions and tries to settle disputes by peaceful means. The Security Council also recommends to the General Assembly the appointment of the UN Secretary General and the admission of new members to the UN.
With the General Assembly it also elects the International Court of Justice judges.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman said Malta’s election to the Council would give it the opportunity to contribute to the realisation of the Security Council’s objectives.
“Malta’s accumulated political and diplomatic expertise, particularly with regard to North Africa, will allow it to actively contribute to the Security Council’s work,” the spokesman said.
He insisted Malta would be able to continue in its efforts to stabilise relations in the Mediterranean by seeking partnerships for developing a zone of peace and stability.
ksansone@timesofmalta.com