Saudi Arabia officially declines UNSC seat

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday officially informed the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon that "regrettably" it is not in a position to fill the Security Council seat it was elected to on October 17. In a letter to Ban obtained by KUNA, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador Abdallah 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 2014-1015." 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 is drafted in English. He added that "in doing so, Saudi Arabia wishes to reaffirm its commitment to the United Nations and its various organizations and its appreciation of the valuable leadership your excellency is providing in world affairs." He also assured Ban of "my determination to work closely with you for the advancement of the cause of peace and development in the world." Among the reasons cited for rejecting the Council seat are the double standards which prevent the Council from "performing its duties and assuming its responsibilities towards preserving international peace and security as required," and the Palestinian cause and Syrian crisis which remain unresolved. "Accordingly, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, based on its historical responsibilities towards its people, Arab and Islamic nations as well as towards the peoples aspiring for peace and stability all over the world, announces its apology for not accepting membership of the Security Council until the Council is reformed and enable, effectively and practically, to carry out its duties and responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security," the Saudi statement added. Ban will now convey the Saudi letter to the General Assembly President who will call for elections to elect a replacement. There are speculations among diplomats that Jordan will step in to take over the Saudi seat