Japan has won a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. It's the first time in five years that it'll hold the position and the 11th time in total. The term will start in January.
(Mogens Lykketoft / UN General Assembly President)
"Egypt, Japan, Senegal, Ukraine and Uruguay are elected members of the Security Council."
The five countries selected gained at least two-thirds membership support. The 10 non-permanent seats represent regional groups. The position is held for two years.
The focus will be on whether the country can take a leadership role in efforts to stabilize East Asia by helping resolve issues including North Korea's nuclear program. Japanese officials hope to lead efforts to reform the Security Council so the country can become a permanent member.
The council is currently split over conflicts in Syria and Ukraine. With Western nations on one side and Russia and China on the other, Japan will have to make tough choices.
◆non-permanent 非常任の、非永続的な
◆Security Council （国連）安全保障理事会
◆stabilize 安定させる
◆split over ～を巡って（方針が）２つに分かれる
