Accra, Aug 1, GNA - Ghana has assumed the rotational chair of the Presidency of the United Nations Security Council for one month. A document signed by Mrs Mercy Debrah-Karikari, Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and NEPAD, and made available to the Ghana News Agency said the Presidency would end on August 31 2006.

It said Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Sector Minister, who would represent Ghana, would chair a debate on the theme: Peace Consolidation in West Africa on August 9, 2006.

The Presidency is in consonance with the programme of work of the UN.

The document said the selection of the theme was to underscore Ghana's abiding concern for peace and stability in West Africa. "The debate is to provide a platform for in-depth discussions on a wide range of inter-related issues bearing on the search for lasting peace and stability in the Sub-Region, and will seek to rally international community behind the vital work of consolidating peace on the Continent especially those countries emerging from wars," the document said.

The Security Council is the United Nations' most powerful body. It has the "primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security".

Five powerful countries sit as permanent members along with 10 other member states, elected for two-year terms.

Since 1990, the Council had dramatically increased its activity and it now meets in nearly continuous session. It dispatches military operations, imposes economic sanctions, mandates arms inspections, deploys human rights and election monitors and more. 01 Aug 06