Israel withdraws from Security Council election

Vartha Bharati | 05-05-2018 | 08:51:00 IST

United Nations, May 5: Israel has withdrawn from the election for a two-year term on the Security Council that pitted it against Germany and Belgium.

Israel's UN Mission announced the decision shortly before a debate between the three candidates was due to start at the UN on Friday afternoon.

"After consulting with our partners, including our good friends, the State of Israel has decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the Security Council," the mission said.

The non-permanent seats in the Council are distributed regionally and Israel, which is in the Western European and Other Group (WEOG), had planned to contest one of the group's two seats for the 2019-2020 term.

The failure to run unopposed for the WEOG seat is a diplomatic setback for Israel, which has never had a seat the Council, and, according to the US ambassador to Germany, Richard Grenell, a broken promise by West European countries.

He asserted in a tweet in March that Washington, which had brokered a deal for Israel to run unopposed for one of the WEOG seats, must ensure that the European nations kept their word.

Grenell said that the late Richard Holbrooke, a former assistant secretary of state, had arranged the deal..

Although Middle Eastern nations are in the Asia-Pacific Group, Israel has faced opposition from some members of the group and was taken in by the WEOG.

Israel has never held a Council seat and would have been difficult for Israel to win against those to European nations, but it would have won by default if it was unopposed in the group.

There is one vacancy for the Asia-Pacific Group for 2019-2020 term and Indonesia and Maldives are contesting it.

They will participate in a candidates' debate for the region organised by the World Federation of United Nations Associations on May 14.

All the 193 members of the UN will, however, vote for the non-permanent members of the Council, even though the seats are distributed by region.

The elections are scheduled for June 8.

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PM meets vice president on Tamil new year

14-04-2026 ¦ 14-04-2026 IST

Photo: PTI

New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called on Vice President C P Radhakrishnan to greet him on Tamil new year Puthandu.

Modi reached the vice president's official residence here and offered prayers on the occasion of Puthandu.

"Called on Vice President Thiru C P Radhakrishnan Ji and conveyed greetings on the special occasion of Puthandu. Praying for a wonderful year ahead, filled with good health and happiness," Modi posted on X.

The vice president said he was happy to meet Modi at Uprashtrapati Bhawan and exchange greetings on Tamil Puthandu and Baisakhi.

"We prayed for a wonderful year ahead, with happiness, peace, and the well-being of all.

"We discussed how Tamil Puthandu showcases the wisdom of our ancestors and brings together tradition, family, spirituality, and a disciplined way of life," he posted on X.

Separately, Radhakrishnan greeted people on the occasion of Puthandu, Baisakhi, Rongali Bihu, Maha Bishuba Pana Sankranti, Poila Boishakh and Vishu.

"These vibrant festivals reflect the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our nation," he said.

Radhakrishnan said the festivals mark new beginnings, the joy of harvest, and the enduring bond between people, nature, and tradition.

"May these occasions inspire harmony, prosperity and renewed hope to everyone's lives," he prayed.