SA takes over at UN

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa yesterday took over the month-long rotating presidency of the UN security council, at a time when the world body is mulling fresh sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme.

The presidency of the council is a largely ceremonial role, but the holder does have the power to table and influence resolutions. The five permanent, veto-wielding members of the council – the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia – plus Germany are seeking a new UN resolution that would impose further sanctions on Iran over its failure to suspend uranium enrichment.South Africa has said it supports the right of countries to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and is thought likely to oppose further sanctions.President Thabo Mbeki met with Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, in Pretoria last weekend, but the outcome of their talks was not revealed.Observers said South Africa would likely use the council presidency to put pressure on the United Nations to pick up the tab for African Union peacekeeping missions.Union troops are currently serving in Darfur and Burundi and are preparing to go into Somalia.South Africa became a non-permanent member of the security council in January.Sapa-dpaThe five permanent, veto-wielding members of the council – the United States, Britain, France, China and Russia – plus Germany are seeking a new UN resolution that would impose further sanctions on Iran over its failure to suspend uranium enrichment.South Africa has said it supports the right of countries to develop nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and is thought likely to oppose further sanctions.President Thabo Mbeki met with Iran’s chief nuclear negotiator, Ali Larijani, in Pretoria last weekend, but the outcome of their talks was not revealed.Observers said South Africa would likely use the council presidency to put pressure on the United Nations to pick up the tab for African Union peacekeeping missions.Union troops are currently serving in Darfur and Burundi and are preparing to go into Somalia.South Africa became a non-permanent member of the security council in January.Sapa-dpa