Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia began their two-year term as non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council yesterday. The five countries replaced Ecuador, Japan, Malta, Mozambique and Switzerland. A flag installation ceremony was held at the United Nations headquarters in New York to mark the start of their responsibilities. The permanent representatives of the five new members made short speeches before they installed their respective national flags outside the Security Council Chamber.
The UNSC currently comprises 15 members – five permanent and 10 elected members who have two-year terms. The United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, China and France are the permanent members of the UNSC all of whom have the power of the veto. Collectively, this group is called the P5.
