FM optimistic about Polish place on UN Security Council

"Whatever the result, the [Polish] campaign [for a place on the council] is already a success because we have started to operate globally and we are seen as a credible partner," Waszczykowski said.

Poland has been engaged in a flurry of efforts in recent months to secure support for its bid for a seat at the table in 2018 and 2019.

Waszczykowski said that "non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council is an instrument of global influence that provides an opportunity for a political say in resolving international conflicts."

He added that membership increases a country’s profile internationally, which could translate into economic benefits.

Voting takes place later on Friday.

Waszczykowski travelled to New York on Wednesday on a three-day visit.

Polish foreign ministry spokesman Jakub Wawrzyniak said the trip was "the final stage of the campaign for Poland's candidacy for the UN Security Council and an opportunity to underline the political significance that Poland attaches to non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council.”

In order to gain a non-permanent place on the council, Poland needs a minimum of two-thirds (129) votes from states present and voting in the UN General Assembly.

The UN Security Council consists of five veto-wielding permanent members (China, France, Russia, the UK and US), and 10 non-permanent members elected by the organisation’s General Assembly for a term of two years.

One non-permanent place goes to a country from Eastern Europe.

From the latter group, Bulgaria put itself forward as a candidate as well as Poland, but withdrew in December 2016.

(pk)

Source: IAR/PAP