German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle on Saturday told the United Nations "you can rely on Germany," in a bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Germany is competing against Canada and Portugal for one of two non-permanent seats for 2011-12, to be decided next month by the UN's 192 member states, according to dpa. "Germany is prepared to take on greater responsibility," Westerwelle said in his speech before the UN General Assembly. Germany is ultimately vying for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council - composed of Britain, Russia, France, China and the United States. But Westerwelle also reiterated demands for the UN to change, and said the organization "no longer reflects the architecture of today's world." Westerwelle gave a rundown of Germany's involvement in global issues, stressing that his country wants a seat on the UN Security Council in order to work towards "peace and development." The minister referred to the German troop presence in Afghanistan, as well as the country's engagement in Yemen, Sudan and Somalia. He also highlighted the effects of climate change, poverty and underdevelopment on peace, and said Germany was working to counter these problems, by spearheading climate change measures and promoting education as a key to development. "The true wealth of many nations is no longer to be found in the ground, but in heads," Westerwelle said. He additionally stressed the importance of Germany's large economy in boosting global aid. "Germany is the third largest donor for development cooperation. We've largely overcome the financial and economic crisis, and are on the right course with robust economic growth," Westerwelle said. "With our strong economy, Germany is a strong partner in the world," he added. However, Germany has been criticised in recent days for failing to reach its development aid target of 0.7 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). The current figure stands at around 0.4 per cent. But Westerwelle said German citizens had donated large sums to relief programmes following international crises. "I am proud that my compatriots give generously when the need is greatest," Westerwelle said, referring to the 2004 tsunami and this year's natural disasters in Haiti and Pakistan. "You can rely on Germany," he concluded. On the sidelines of the General Assembly, Westerwelle had expressed confidence about Germany's chances of receiving a non- permanent seat. "You can't count your chickens before they have hatched, and votes before they have been cast. But I am optimistic," he said. "Our influence and our reliability in the world is valued."
