Pakistan welcomes seat on UN Security Council

Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani on Saturday said his country's election to a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council "effectively rebuts allegations of Pakistan’s isolation". Pakistan emerged triumphant on Friday from one of the most hotly contested United Nations Security Council elections in years. Morocco, Guatemala and Togo were the others to secure a seat. "It demonstrated acknowledgement of Pakistan’s importance in the comity of nations," a triumphant Gilani said in a statement. "It is a proof of Pakistan’s support in the comity of the nations and effectively rebuts allegations of Pakistan’s isolation as claimed by some circles," he said, referring to opposition criticism of his foreign policy. Pakistan took the Asia-Pacific seat, getting 129 votes, the minimum required, to 55 for its only rival Kyrgyzstan. The two-year term begins on January 1, 2012. Arch rival India will also remain on the council through 2012. Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar in a separate statement said the vote "reflects the importance and respect that Pakistan enjoys in the international community". It comes after Pakistan-US relations deteriorated dramatically over the May 2 American special forces raid that killed Osama bin Laden near Islamabad. The US also insists that Pakistan break up militant groups operating across the border in Afghanistan. "Pakistan will take its seat on the UN Security Council at a time when the world in general and our extended region in particular is witnessing developments of far-reaching implications," Khar said. "As in the past, Pakistan will play its constructive role in the Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security." Pakistan has been on the council six times, according to official media, 1952-53, 1968-69, 1976-77, 1983-84, 1993-94 and 2003-04. India and Pakistan have shared terms on the Council in 1968, 1977 and 1984.