Our bid for a place on the UN Security Council for 2001-2002 is by no means over, despite the recent entry of Italy into the race. There are now four countries chasing two places in our section - Ireland, Italy, Norway and Turkey, and although we are consequently far less a prospect than we at first appeared, the canvassing is being stepped up. The vote by secret ballot takes place at the UN General Assembly in September 2000, but the Government and the mandarins in Iveagh House are desperate to win, and embassies around the world are canvassing like crazy. Indeed, although the five permanent members have the real power and the vetoes and we would be only one of 15 others, there is a huge push on to get the seat for reasons, it appears, solely of prestige.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, David Andrews, was in Algiers this week for the 53-nation strong Organisation of African Unity. As on his recent trips to the landmine conference in Mozambique and the Rio summit, he is using these gatherings not just to develop relations, but to personally canvas the many African, South American and Arab nations where we do not have diplomatic representation. The Minister had 15 bilateral meetings at the OAU this week. Meanwhile, our first ambassador to Mexico is expected to be Art Agnew. He will be moving there from Buenos Aries shortly.