Croatia, Costa Rica set for UN council seats

UNITED NATIONS, Oct 16 (Reuters) The Czech Republic and the Dominican Republic pulled out of UN Security Council elections today, clearing the way for Croatia and Costa Rica to win nonpermanent seats for 2008-09.

The moves by the two countries came after a second ballot of General Assembly voting in which both Croatia and Costa Rica pulled well ahead, coming close to winning the two-thirds majority required from the 192-member assembly.

At that point, the Czech Republic and the Dominican Republic decided not to pursue their contests. A further ballot was being held, however, to confirm the required majority for Croatia and Costa Rica.

Earlier, unopposed Libya, Vietnam and Burkina Faso won election to the 15-member council.

REUTERS RSA RAI2333