Algerian Radio
Somalia officially assumed the presidency of the UN Security Council yesterday, Friday, to lead the Council's work during the current month of January.
The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: "Assuming the presidency of the Security Council represents an important opportunity to highlight Somalia's commitment to supporting international peace and security, and its readiness to play a constructive leadership role within UN forums."
During January, Somalia is scheduled to chair the Security Council's periodic and emergency meetings, including sessions dedicated to discussing issues of international peace and security, within the framework of the Council President's role in organizing the agenda and facilitating deliberations among member states.
The Security Council consists of 15 countries, each with one vote, including five permanent members with veto power: Russia, France, China, Britain, and the United States.
Khadija Ahmed, spokesperson for Somalia’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, reported that the rotating presidency for the month of January, held by Somalia, has decided to convene an emergency meeting tomorrow, Monday morning, at 10:00 AM New York local time (3:00 PM GMT).
The request for the emergency session was based on an initiative from Venezuela conveyed by Colombia, which currently holds one of the non-permanent seats on the Council. The meeting comes at a time of escalating regional and international tensions following a surprise American military operation that has sparked widespread reactions on the diplomatic level.
Notably, Nicolas Maduro was arrested and flown out of the country along with his wife by US forces yesterday, Saturday, according to media sources citing US President Donald Trump, following the execution of a large-scale attack on Venezuela.
