Security Council – Picture by Getty Images.
In a symbolic gesture for European unity, Italy and The Netherlands have proposed to split a two-year term on the UN Security Council, after the two countries tied in a contested race for a non-permanent seat on the council.
This settlement entails that in 2017 Italy shall be member in the body working towards international peace and security, whereas the Kingdom of the Netherlands will hold the seat in 2018.
Italy was lobbying arduously for a council seat, portraying itself as a crossroads country Mediterranean as well as touting its experience dealing with the refugee crisis. Italy was also seen as a player in efforts to pull Libya out of chaos.
The Netherlands, home to the International Criminal Court and other world tribunals, played up its commitment to international justice and law.
Both countries must still come up with a formula permitting one to attain the official two-thirds majority in the General Assembly vote, with the understanding that it will hand the post to the other country after a year.
For more information:
http://www.the-netherlands.org/news/2016/06/unsc.html
