EgyptFeatures/Interviews

Great chance for Egypt to win Security Council seat: Former Assistant Foreign Minister

Former Assistant Foreign Minister Hussein Haridy said in an interview with Al-Masry Al-Youm that Egypt has a great chance at winning a non-permanent Security Council seat for 2016-2017 ahead of the October 15 vote.
 
He said that Egypt represents North Africa and the Muslim and Arab worlds, and that it has the support of the major powers and the European Union. He also praised the diplomatic efforts of Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry over the past year.
 
Q: What are the chances for Egypt to win a non-permanent Security Council seat for 2016-2017?
 
A: Egypt has a good chance at winning the October 15 vote because it represents North Africa and Muslim and Arab countries, and it has the support of the major powers and the European Union.
 
Egypt has occupied this seat four times before, most recently from 1996 to 1997.
 
Q: Would the five permanent members vote for Egypt?
 
A: I cannot tell because it is a secret ballot, but I do not think they would mind because they know how strong Egypt’s influence is in the Middle East.
 
Q: What is your opinion on recent efforts by the Foreign Ministry?
 
A: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry has been doing an excellent job at home and abroad. Also, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s trips have played a major role in winning support from the world's major powers.
 
Q: What is expected from Egypt if it wins the seat?
 
A: Effective solutions for outstanding issues facing the Middle East and Africa, particularly terrorism and illegal migration.
 
Q: Some believe the Security Council is ineffective because it is dominated by the five permanent members that can veto its decisions. What would you say to that?
 
Q: There are nine members voting on decisions. Egypt has always been effective in the formulation of decisions pertaining to international peace and security.
 
A: Do you think the Security Council needs to be reformed?
 
A: By all means, but this is not Egypt’s top priority. What is important now is the peace and security of the world.
 
Q: Do you think the Security Council has fulfilled its role regarding the Syrian and Libyan crises?
 
A: Yes, because the priority was to maintain the internal peace of these countries. 
 
 
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
 

Related Articles

Back to top button