PHILIPPINES TO ASSUME SEAT ON UN SECURITY COUNCIL.

MANILA, Jan 1 Asia Pulse - The Philippines opens a new era in its engagement in global diplomacy when it formally assumes its seat in the 15-member United Nations Security Council later today.

Ambassador Lauro Baja, Jr., the Philippines' Permanent Representative to the United Nations, informed newly installed Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Albert that the members of the Philippine delegation to the Security Council are ready to assume the added responsibilities that come with being a member of the most important decision-making organ of the UN.

"Now that we have been placed in an elevated status in the United Nations and in the international community, the Philippine delegation is now ready to pursue with greater vigor and determination Philippine foreign policy objectives and project Philippine values in the Security Council," Baja said.

"We will size this once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a difference in the Security Council and to promote the Filipino as a global citizen," he added.

Baja was appointed by President Gloria-Arroyo and the late Foreign Affairs Blas Ople to spearhead Philippine participation in the Security Council.

The Security Council is considered the most important policy-making body in the UN because it is the only organ whose decisions are enforceable and binding among the member countries.

Under the UN Charter, the Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.