Saudi Arabia turns down UN Security Council seat

[Mirror]

Saudi Arabia has turned down a nonpermanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, accusing the world body of "double standards".

The Saudi foreign ministry said the UN needs to be reformed first. It said the Security Council had failed in its duties towards Syria as well as in other world conflicts. Saudi Arabia has previously expressed frustration at what it sees as an international failure to act on Syria, where it staunchly backs the rebels.

The announcement came hours after Saudi Arabia was elected for the first time to one of the 10 rotating seats on the Security Council.

The non-permanent members sit on the council for two years, along with the five permanent members – the US, the UK, France, China and Russia.

"Work mechanisms and double-standards on the Security Council prevent it from carrying out its duties and assuming its responsibilities in keeping world peace," the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement.

Source: Saudi Arabia turns down UN Security Council seat