United Nations Radio

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has clarified his position on two non-permanent seats of the Security Council for the period 2009-2010 being contested by Austria, Iceland and Turkey.

A newspaper in Iceland has reported that a comment by the Secretary-General in an Austrian magazine a few days ago gave the impression that he had declared his support for Austria.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson today, Mr. Ban says he wishes to clear any misunderstandings that may have arisen and recognizes that all the three countries contesting the seats for the Western European region are eminently qualified.

He says he wishes all of them success in securing the support of Member States.

As Secretary-General, he points out, he would not wish to signify any preference for one over any other.

Diane Bailey, United Nations Radio.

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