Saudi Arabia turns down UNSC membership

October 18, 2013 16:47

Saudi Arabia rejected membership of the UN Security Council today, a day after it was elected to the body, accusing it of "double-standards" in resolving world conflicts.

"Work mechanisms and double-standards on the Security Council prevent it from carrying out its duties and assuming its responsibilities in keeping world peace," the foreign ministry said.

"Therefore Saudi Arabia... has no other option but to turn down Security Council membership until it is reformed and given the means to accomplish its duties and assume its responsibilities in preserving the world's peace and security," a statement said.

For the first time ever, oil-rich, conservative Saudi Arabia won a seat yesterday on the 15-member council, which has a key role in dealing with world conflicts.

Saudi UN Ambassador Abdullah al-Mouallimi said that reflected Riyadh's "long-standing policy in support of moderation and in support of resolving disputes in peaceful means."

But the foreign ministry said Saudi Arabia declines to be a member of a body unable to tackle long-standing conflicts in the Middle East or rid the region of the threat of nuclear war.

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