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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 2009
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US Lands Seat on UN Human Rights Council

Bush White House had boycotted body over Israel, Darfur stances

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(AP) – The US today won a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the first time, along with four countries accused of serious human rights violations: Cuba, Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia. President Bush's administration had boycotted the council over its repeated criticism of Israel and its refusal to cite flagrant rights abuses in Sudan and elsewhere.

The US received 167 votes for its seat on the 47-member council, far more than the 97 votes needed in the secret ballot.The Obama administration announced in March a desire to join the council to help make the UN's most important human rights body more effective—in line with the president's desire to create a "new era of engagement."

An Iranian minister takes questions after a speech at the UN Human Rights Council last year.
An Iranian minister takes questions after a speech at the UN Human Rights Council last year.   (AP Photo)
The Bush administration boycotted the council because of its attitude towards Israel.
The Bush administration boycotted the council because of its attitude towards Israel.   (AP Photo)
First lady Michelle Obama speaks to employees of the US Mission to the United Nations earlier this month.
First lady Michelle Obama speaks to employees of the US Mission to the United Nations earlier this month.   (AP Photo)
US ambassadors to the UN speak at United Nations headquarters earlier this month.
US ambassadors to the UN speak at United Nations headquarters earlier this month.   (AP Photo)
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Fondue
May 12, 09 1:10 PM CDT
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doingtherightthing
Jun 7, 09 12:11 PM CDT
The UN what a great organization of a-holes. They chatter and scream, they threaten, yell a lot and can do nothing because its full of pigs like Putin, Chavez, King Abdullha, Ahmadinejrd and more. These guys destroy human rights.........Lets add the USA to this group....... good decision Obama I'm sure they'll listen to your one vote..... Reply
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