by Rod Hughes

Costa Rica will be seated on the United Nationas Security Council for the 2008-2009 period. This country attained the seat during the General Assembly session this morning when the Dominican Republic withdrew its candidacy.

During two previous votes, Costa Rica had a strong majority (117-72 and 119-70) but fell just short of the requisite 126 votes needed. This country will replace Peru on the council.

Costa Rica served on the council for the 1974-75 period and again in 1997-98. Candidacy was announced in the 1980s during the height of the Cold War but was blocked primarily by the Eastern Bloc which suspected Costa Rica of being a bit too chummy with the U.S. during a tumultuous decade in Central America.

The UN voting capped a busy last few weeks for Foreign Minister Bruno Stagno who toured 11 African nations and lobbied 74 foreign ministers in his search for support.

The rotating post gives third world nations a chance to try their hands at peacekeeping. Permanent members are China, the United Kingdom, the United States, France and Russia.