United Nations, Sept 11: Switzerland has become the 90th member of the United Nations with the General Assembly approving its admission with acclamation at its opening session. East Timor is expected to join the world body next week, thus raising its membership to 191.
Switzerland sought admission after a popular vote approved its joining the world body in March last, thus ending the isolation it had maintained for years.
Speaking at function shortly after the admission where the Swiss flag was raised alongside flags of other member states, secretary-general Kofi Annan lauded Switzerland for embodying what the united Nations Stands for - a peaceful and multicultural society built on strong democratic traditions - and noted the country's active and generous participation in the wider UN family. Bureau Report