AFP, United Nations, Oct 17, 2008 – Japan was elected Friday to a seat at the UN Security Council for 2009-2010, overcoming a challenge from Iran for a place at the head table of international diplomacy.

In a vote in the UN General Assembly, which includes all member nations of the world body, Japan took 158 votes against 32 for Iran, the assembly’s president Miguel d’Escoto of Nicaragua said.

Among nations in the European group at the United Nations, Austria and Turkey won places on the Security Council, while Iceland’s bid was defeated.

Mexico and Uganda took the seats available for Latin America and Africa without contest.