[ad_1]
Norway formally held a seat on the Security Council on January 1 for the next two years, but Monday was the first business day after the New Year. Then the flags of the five new countries were raised, including the Norwegian.
In addition to Norway, India, Ireland, Kenya and Mexico are new members.
Norway was a member of the Security Council for the last time in 2001–2002. In June, it became clear that Norway, after 13 years of fighting, would once again become one of ten successive members of the Security Council as of the turn of the year. When the decision was made known, Prime Minister Erna Solberg (H) told NTB that a seat on the UN Security Council is a unique opportunity to promote Norwegian interests and values.
Syria and chemical weapons are set to be the first topics Norway brings to the table as a member, according to the council’s schedule. On Wednesday, Chancellor Ine Eriksen Søreide will participate in an open debate on the challenges of maintaining peace and security in vulnerable contexts.
Norway’s ambassador to the UN, Mona Juul, will represent Norway in the Security Council, while the UN delegation in New York will be strengthened with nine people.
