Colombian President Santos on Friday told the United Nations General Assembly about his country’s aspirations to be a guest member in the U.N. Security Council in 2011-2012.
Santos was invited to speak to the U.N. on Colombia’s fight against the drug trade and domestic guerrilla groups and told the General Assembly that it was his country’s experience in security issues count in favor of the country’s ambition to join the Security Council.
“We are confident that our experience, long and painful, can be very useful to all members of the Organization in matters in which we have developed a strong technical and operational capacity,” Santos said.
According to Santos, Colombia is a “model” in the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism.
Colombia’s apiration can count on the opposition of Bolivia, whose President Evo Morales said earlier this week that Colombia does not deserve a spot in the security council, because I believe (Colombia) is the candidate of the United States. The ambassador to the U.N. of Venezuela, a regional ally of Bolivia, but in the process of improving relations with Colombia, wouldn’t speak out on the matter and said President Hugo Chavez is considering Colombia’s candidacy.
Colombia last took seat in the Security Council in 2001-2002.