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The President of the Republic issued a message concerning the election of Portugal as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

Following is the text of the message of President Aníbal Cavaco Silva:

"I was very pleased to receive the news of the victory of the Portuguese candidacy to the election as a non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, for the 2011-2012 two year period. This is a success for our diplomacy that brings honour to the Country and to the Portuguese.

I wish to give public testimonial of my recognition for the efforts of all those who, in New York, in Lisbon and in the several foreign capitals and organizations where Portugal is represented, were involved in the promotion of the Portuguese candidacy. I equally want to express my deep thanks for the show of confidence of all the countries who fought for the Portuguese candidacy as well as to all those that chose to give Portugal their vote.

This election shows the international community’s recognition of our Country’s firm commitment to the values and objectives of the United Nations. It is equally a strong sign of hope that Portugal may aid the United Nations in the provision of improved answers to the challenges of the contemporary international reality, taking into account the sensitivities of all its members, independently from their respective political and cultural realities, their economic weight, or their demographic or geographical dimension.

This election also represents an accrued responsibility for our Country. I have no doubts that, similarly to the previous Portuguese memberships in the United Nations Security Council, the Country and its diplomacy will know how to stand up to expectations and that the exercise of this mandate will greatly contribute towards the strengthening of our Country’s prestige and influence in the international stage.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva"