ISTANBUL - Turkish Foreign Minister Ali Babacan left for New York, USA to hold a series of talks with UN officials about UN Security Council.
Giving a news conference at Istanbul's Ataturk Airport prior to his departure, Babacan said an election would be made in the first half of October for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council for 2009-2010, adding that Turkey, Austria and Iceland would run for this.
Babacan said Turkey has contacted with most of the 192 UN members, adding that, "representatives have been sent to many other countries to explain Turkey's contributions to the world peace and stability."
Referring to the voting that would take place in New York in October, Babacan said, "within the scope of my visit, I will give a reception to U.N. permanent representatives who will cast vote. I will separately host Latin America, the Carribeans, Arabic countries, OIC, and Africa group to explain Turkey's foreign policy, contributions of Turkey to the region and global sense, and particularly Turkey's contributions to security, peace and stability."
Babacan said he would meet with UN General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to discuss Cyprus, noting that Cyprus and Iran would be discussed with them.
Babacan said he would return to Turkey after three-day talks.
(AY-AÖ)
(DIP)