United Nations: South Africa, Indonesia, Italy, Belgium and Panama today (Jan 1, 2006) joined the UN Security Council as non-permanent members for a two year term.

The new members replaced Tanzania, Japan, Denmark, Greece and Argentina, which completed their two-year term yesterday.

The composition of the Council for 2007 is the United States, Britain, Russia, France, China (permanent members), Peru, Congo, Qatar, Ghana and Slovakia, South Korea, Indonesia, Italy, Belgium and Panama (non-permanent members).

Peru, Congo, Qatar, Ghana and Slovakia will complete their term this year end. South Korea, Indonesia, Italy, Belgium and Panama will remain on the council until the end of 2008.

The Council comprises 15 members including five permanent and ten non-permanent members. Five of the non-permanent members retire each year.

The non-permanent members are elected on regional basis by the 192-member General Assembly.

Panama was the compromise candidate from Latin American and Caribbean group following failure of the group to decide between Guatemala and Venezuela.