Spain was elected to the U.N. Security Council Oct. 16, roundly defeating Turkey for the seat during a vote at the U.N. General Assembly, the Hurriyet Daily News reports.
Spain joined Angola, Malaysia, New Zealand and Venezuela as the newest members to the top U.N. body, which has the power to impose sanctions and authorize the use of force.
Earlier in the day, Venezuela, Malaysia, Angola and New Zealand won seats on the Council for two years from Jan. 1, 2015, while a run-off vote between Spain and Turkey took place to decide who gets the fifth available spot.
The 193-member U.N. General Assembly elected Spain with 132 votes in the third round of voting against 60 votes for Turkey.
Turkey got 72 votes in the second round against 121 for Spain. The board membership requires a minimum of 129 votes.
Venezuela was elected with 181 votes in favor, Malaysia with 187 votes, Angola with 190 vote and New Zealand with 145 votes.
