Jordan takes Saudi Arabia’s UN seat

On 1 January, Jordan took up its seat on the United Nations Security Council – a seat which would have been Saudi Arabia’s, had it not turned it down (GSN 957/6). Jordan was elected to the council on 6 December, as widely expected (GSN 959/1). Diplomatic sources have indicated that Jordan was reluctant to take the seat, but was persuaded to do so by Riyadh. Jordan has served twice on the council – from 1965 to 1966 and from 1982 to 1983 – and rejoins it at a highly sensitive time for the region. It was the only candidate standing for the vacant post, and won 178 votes from among the 193 members of the UN General Assembly, according to AFP.