Ukraine seeks UN Security Council seat

Ukraine is seeking a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC), Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara said on Tuesday. "Acquisition of non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the period 2016-2017 is one of the priorities of our foreign policy," Kozhara said during his meeting with the ambassadors from Africa, Latin America and the Middle East states. Ukraine, which has served at the 15-member council for three times, has extensive experience in this honorable mission, Kozhara said, adding that Kiev is an active contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, particularly in Africa. Besides five permanent members -- China, France, Britain, Russia and the United States, the council has 10 non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly for a two-year term.