SECURITY COUNCIL RECOMMENDS UN MEMBERSHIP FOR KINGDOM OF TONGA

Press Release
SC/6704

SECURITY COUNCIL RECOMMENDS UN MEMBERSHIP FOR KINGDOM OF TONGA

The Security Council this morning recommended to the General Assembly that the Kingdom of Tonga be admitted to membership of the United Nations, which will bring the Organization's total membership to 188.

Acting without a vote, the Council adopted resolution 1253 (1999) on the recommendation of the Committee on Admission of New Members, to which the application of the Kingdom of Tonga had been referred for examination. The draft resolution was contained in the Committee's report on that application (document S/1999/823). The final decision on the granting of United Nations membership lies with the General Assembly.

Following this morning's action, the Council President, Hasmy Agam (Malaysia), read out the following statement on behalf of the Council, which will be issued as document S/PRST/1999/23:

"The Security Council has decided to recommend to the General Assembly that the Kingdom of Tonga be admitted as a Member of the United Nations.

"On behalf of the members of the Security Council, I wish to extend my congratulations to the Kingdom of Tonga on this historic occasion.

"The Council notes with great satisfaction the Kingdom of Tonga's solemn commitment to uphold the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and to fulfil all the obligations contained therein. We look forward to the day in the near future when the Kingdom of Tonga will join us as a Member of the United Nations and to working closely with its representatives."

The meeting was called to order at 10:30 a.m. and adjourned at 10:35 a.m.

Resolution

The text of resolution 1253 (1999) reads as follows:

"The Security Council,

"Having examined the application of the Kingdom of Tonga for admission to the United Nations (S/1999/793),

"Recommends to the General Assembly that the Kingdom of Tonga be admitted to membership in the United Nations."

* *** *