Sherwin Bryce-Pease, New York

Nigeria and Gabon have been elected as non-permanent members of the UN Security Council. They will begin their two-year term alongside Brazil, Bosnia and Lebanon starting on January 1, 2010. To win, candidates must get a two-thirds majority of the General Assembly members voting by secret ballot.

General Assembly President Ali Treki said: “Having obtained the required two-thirds majority and the largest number of votes, Bosnia, Brazil, Gabon, Lebanon and Nigeria are elected member of the Security Council for a two year term.”

None of the seats were contested this year and sees powerhouses Nigeria and Brazil return to the council. UK Ambassador, Sir John Sawers said: “It's going to be an even stronger Security Council I think, next year. We have two large countries in Brazil and Nigeria carry weight of regional power and two countries in Lebanon and Bosnia who've been through conflict and can bring their own national experiences.”

Nigeria expressed their gratitude at the solidarity of the African block. Nigerian Foreign Minister, Ojo Maduekwe said: “We intend working with the other members of the UN Security Council. Preventive diplomacy will be central to a lot of issues.” Lebanon and Bosnia Herzegovina have both been security items for the council with UN backed peacekeepers on the ground in both countries.

Lebanon Ambassador Nawaf Salam said: “It's an occasion for us to renew our commitment to the charter of the UN and the principles of international law.”

Bosnia's Foreign Minister Sven Alkalaj said: “It's some recognition of Bosnia's long path of being the subject of the Security Council to becoming a member of this world body.”

The five newly elected council members will replace Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, Croatia, Libya and Vietnam on January 1st.