From Laura: "Saudi lobbied heavily to get the Security Council seat
2014-2016 and spent money training their NY staff, had even planned what issues
to raise during their presidency next July. Interestingly
(ironically/ridiculously) they are posing this last-minute turn-around as a
principled position over responsibility to protect, Palestine and making ME a
weapons-free zone. Rumour has it the decision came from higher up than the UN
ambassador. Wonder what Prince Bandar's agenda looked like the past few weeks
in Washington...
"...the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia believes that the
manner, the mechanisms of action and double standards existing in the Security
Council prevent it from performing its duties and assuming its responsibilities
towards preserving international peace..."
