Kerry says Saudi Arabia's influence would be greater on Security Council

"Secretary Kerry conveyed that while it is Saudi Arabia's decision to make, the US values Saudi Arabia's leadership in the region and the international community, and a seat on the UNSC affords member states the opportunity to engage directly on these issues," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Saudi Arabia stunned observers by turning down a prized two-year seat on the Security Council, accusing the UN body of "double standards" over Syria's civil war and other Middle East hotspots.
The official said the two also discussed the Syria conflict, the Iran nuclear issue and other regional questions during a two-hour lunch in Paris, where Kerry was meeting with Arab League officials.
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