Kuwait: The GCC higher council on Wednesday praised calls made by Saudi Arabia for reforms of the UN Security Council so the body could better conduct its duties and responsibilities toward security and international peace.
In its final communique, the GCC noted Saudi Arabia’s stance toward the UN reflected a “historic concern over Arab and Islamic worlds issues”, and also represented its commitment toward international legitimacy, including its sincere wishes to activate the role of the UN Security Council and all United Nations agencies.
Last month, Saudi Arabia officially informed the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that it was “regrettably” not in a position to fill the Security Council non-permanent seat it was elected to on October 17.
In a letter to Ban, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Abdullah Al Mouallimi said: “I wish to inform you that the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has decided to advise you that Saudi Arabia will regrettably not be in a position to assume its seat in the Security Council to which it was elected on October 17 for the period 2014-2015.” He explained that the reasons for this decision “have been articulated in the statement issued by the Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia dated October 18.”
He attached a copy of that statement to his letter, which was drafted in English.
He added that “in doing so, Saudi Arabia wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the United Nations and its various organisations and its appreciation of the valuable leadership your excellency is providing in world affairs.”
