By Matthew Russell Lee
www.innercitypress.com/ungasc1elections101509.html
UNITED NATIONS, October 15 -- In five uncontested elections, the UN General Assembly put five countries on the Security Council for the next two years: Nigeria, Lebanon, Brazil, Bosnia and Gabon. Inner City Press asked the Foreign Minister of Nigeria Chief Ojo Maduekwe if his country would use the seat to address problems like the killing and raping of protesters of the coup leader in Guinea Conakry.
He responded indirectly, speaking of an ECOWAS meeting being convened in Nigeria. Video here. So, Nigeria would not use the Security Council.
Inner City Press asked the Ambassador of Brazil Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti if she would like to use the Council on the problems on Honduras, if they remain in January. She referred to regional solutions. Video here. So, like Nigeria, would not use the Council. Gabon did not even come to the stake out.
Lebanon is a country that is on the agenda of the Council. But its Ambassador Nawaf Salam refuse to answer any questions on Thursday, saying there would be two years to do so.
Inner City Press asked Sudan's Ambassador, representing the Arab Group, if Lebanon would recuse itself from votes and consultations on UNIFIL and Resolution 1701. No, he responded, adding that the Permanent Five are involved in nearly every agenda item, and yet they still vote.
After the stakeout was taken down, Inner City Press ran to the noon briefing and asked the General Assembly spokesman what rules or precedents apply to member states on the Council being on the agenda, and voting on their items. The election is over, he replied, your question may be moot. Watch this site.
