Turkey hopeful for a non-permanent seat at U.N. Security Council

Babacan met U.N. General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim and the representatives of countries from Africa Union, Arab League and Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in New York.Â

His visit aimed to get the support of as many countries as possible for Turkey's getting a non-permanent membership at the Security Council, Babacan told reporters at a reception held in honor of the representatives of some countries in New York.

Babacan said he desired to meet and exchange views with permanent representatives of various countries prior to such election, adding the election for such seat would most probably take place in October.

"We think that Turkey deserves this seat after nearly half a century. We believe we will be a very active and contributing country when we become a member to U.N. Security Council," he said.

Babacan told participants of the reception that Turkey believed the importance of U.N.'s undertaking a more effective role, and added that Turkey believed that U.N. could contribute more to security, peace and development of the world, the state-run Anatolian Agency reported.

He also said Turkey contributed to development and prosperity of the world both in its region and in different places of the world, adding Turkey could make great contributions in U.N. Security Council.

"That's why I am in New York. I will tell what Turkey is doing, our reform process and our contribution to peace and security in Middle East, Balkans and other places of the world," he was quoted by Anatolian Agency as saying.

Kerim, who also attended the reception, said Turkey was a very important country both for U.N. and in its region, adding Turkey was a constructive actor.

He also said Turkey undertook role in Middle East dialogue as well as crisis management in Balkans; it was a connection between Europe and Asia, and a part of Europe-Atlantic integration.

Turkey was an example for developing countries with the reforms it fulfilled, he added.

Turkey wanted a more effective, influential, representative and functional U.N., Babacan told Kerim during their face-to-face meeting earlier on Tuesday.

Babacan also told Kerim that Turkey backed "dialogue" in settlement of disputes, and assumed an approach "embracing every one, not excluding them".

The U.N. Security Council is composed of five permanent members - China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States, and ten non-permanent members. Turkey competes with Austria and Iceland for the term of 2009-2010.

Ten non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms and are not eligible for immediate re-election.

Turkey held a seat in the Security Council in 1951-52, 1954-55 and 1961.