In New York, Babacan lobbies for Turkey's UNSC bid

Foreign Minister Ali Babacan, currently in New York, yesterday said that Turkey's chances of winning a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council were good, but like every election, efforts would be needed until the very last minute. He made the remarks at a reception for international ambassadors serving at UN headquarters given by Baki Ilkin, Turkey's ambassador to the UN. Babacan added that over the last 10 months he had met with the foreign ministers of 130 countries and pointed out to them that Turkey hadn't had a seat on the Security Council since 1961. "Turkey's UNSC membership would boost its profile," he said. "It would benefit both Turkey and its region, as well as contribute to world peace."