What a surprise-Japan wins seat at UN Security Council; Iran fails oct17th

[Antaletriangle]

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5...rW8cZVPF0mf6Ew
Japan wins seat at UN Security Council; Iran fails
1 hour ago

UNITED NATIONS (AFP) — Japan was elected Friday to a seat at the UN Security Council for 2009-2010, overcoming a challenge from Iran for a place at the head table of international diplomacy.

It will be Japan's 10th turn on the Security Council since the founding of the United Nations more than 50 years ago. It is a major contributor to the UN budget and contends it should have a permanent place on a reformed council.

Iran, meanwhile, is under UN sanctions for refusing to comply to Security Council demands to suspend nuclear enrichment, amid fears -- denied by Tehran -- that it is developing nuclear weapons.

"It's a comprehensive defeat, a thrashing and it's an important signal from the United Nations membership," said John Sawers, the British ambassador to the United Nations.

"Had Iran, by some massive error or misjudgment... come on the Security Council, it would have obstructed the effective work of the council."

cont. on link above.