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Security Council

Jamaica at the Security Council:
Overview

The Security Council of the United Nations was established pursuant to Article 24 of the United Nations Charter. It has as its primary responsibility, the maintenance of international peace and security. The functions of the Council fall mainly under two headings: pacific settlement of disputes; and action with respect to threats to the peace, breaches of the peace, and acts of aggression.

The membership of the Security Council consists of five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members, five of which are elected each year by the General Assembly for a term of two years. China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America are the permanent members. Jamaica completed its last 2-year term on the Security Council on December 31 (2001).

The Presidency is held in turn by Council member states in the English alphabetical order of their names, each holding office for one month. Jamaica last presided in July 2000 and again in November 2001.

As a non-permanent member, Jamaica sought to involve the broader membership in its consultations. Jamaica served as Chair of the Working Group of the Security Council on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations; Vice-Chair of the Security Council Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 751 (1992) concerning Somalia; and Vice-Chair of the Security Council Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 748 (1992) concerning Libya. While on the Council, it was our goal to influence the discharge of the Council's responsibilities with fairness and with full respect for the legitimate interests of all parties, with the broader interest of international peace and security.

More detailed information on the United Nations Security Council may be obtained from the United Nations website at www.un.org/.