DHAKA: Jordan has formally submitted a bid for a two-year seat on the UN Security Council, officials said on Monday, after its ally Saudi Arabia rejected the position partly in protest over international failure to end Syria’s civil war.

Jordan, which closely follows regional heavyweight Saudi Arabia on most foreign policy issues, wants to raise its international profile and win more recognition of its role in accommodating Syrian refugees, the officials said.

Its bid follows Saudi Arabia’s surprise move last month to decline a coveted seat on the 15-member Security Council over the United Nations’ failure to halt Syria’s civil war, to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian dispute and stop nuclear proliferation in the region.

Officials made clear Jordan’s bid had the blessing of Saudi Arabia, its biggest financial backer, and of the United States, reports The Jerusalem Post.

BDST: 1753 HRS, NOV 18, 2013
RoR/BSK