DHAKA: Jordan appears set to take the traditional Arab seat on the UN Security Council after Saudi Arabia rejected the position in protest at the body’s failure to end the Syria war and act on other Middle East issues.

Western diplomats said on Friday, gulfnews.com publishes this report on Saturday.

The 193-member UN General Assembly elected Saudi Arabia last month to the Security Council for a two-year term from January 1, but in a surprise move, Riyadh declined the position a day after the vote.

While Saudi Arabia has made its decision known in a foreign ministry statement, it has not officially notified the United Nations.

Most UN diplomats believe a formal letter needs to be received from Riyadh before a new election can be held.

Western diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it appeared Jordan had agreed to replace Saudi Arabia on the council, after dropping out of a race against Riyadh for a seat on the UN Human Rights Council.

Jordan’s place on the Security Council would still need two-thirds approval by the General Assembly, diplomats said.

BDST: 1708 HRS, NOV 09, 2013
RoR/JCK