Rudd to intensify Australia's bid for UNSC seat

Melbourne, Jan 22(ANI): Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd will intensify the country's campaign for a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat during a 13-day tour to Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

During the trip, Rudd will hold talks in Ethiopia, Turkey, Greece and Switzerland.

The Foreign Minister declined to indicate what support Australia has so far received for its UNSC bid, but close UN watchers see the backing of the 53-nation African bloc as critical to success.

"'All I can say to you is this will be tough as hell. It always is in securing UN Security Council support," the Age quoted Rudd, as saying.

Australia, which last sat on the 15-member council in 1986, must secure 128 votes to win a seat.

The current members consist of five veto-wielding permanent members (China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and 10 elected non-permanent members with two-year terms. (ANI)