5 non-permanent seats on UN Security Council electedJune 29, 2016 - 13:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Italy and the Netherlands agreed Tuesday, June 28 to split their term on the UN Security Council after a tie in voting forced them to reach a compromise, AFP reports. In the vote for five non-permanent seats, Kazakstan was elected for the first time, joining Bolivia, Ethiopia and Sweden which won spots during the secret balloting at the 193-nation General Assembly. Under the agreement which will be put to a vote, Italy will serve on the council in 2017 and the Netherlands will follow in 2018. Western European envoys were to meet Thursday to endorse the deal, which would then go to the General Assembly for a vote. Kazakhstan beat out Thailand in a second round of balloting, picking up 138 votes against 55 for Thailand and winning the seat reserved for Asia. Close to Russia, Kazakhstan gave up its nuclear arsenal after the breakup of the Soviet Union. The newly-elected countries will take their place alongside the five permanent council members -- Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States. The other five non-permanent members are: Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Pasadena to host Armenian Genocide commemoration event The Pasadena Armenian Coalition will host its community-wide Armenian Genocide Commemorative Event. Armenia: Opposition activist transferred to Investigative Committee Activist Samvel Vardanyan has been accused of insulting the lawmaker Hakob Aslanyan from the ruling Civil Contract party. Former Pashinyan envoy urges end to Genocide speculation Marukyan has urged authorities in Armenia stop discussions about verifying the names of 1.5 million victims. Azerbaijan, Jordan sign deal on defense cooperation Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed an agreement on cooperation in the field of defense, according to an official statement. |