The United States said on Tuesday that it welcomes the election of Panama to be a non- permanent member of the UN Security Council.

"Today's election of Panama to the non-permanent Latin American seat on the UN Security Council completes this year's non- permanent election process," State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said in a statement.

"The United States congratulates Panama, South Africa, Indonesia, Italy and Belgium on their election to the Security Council, and we look forward to working with them on the many important issues before the council," the statement said.

The above-mentioned five countries will begin their two-year terms on Jan. 1, 2007.

The United States also congratulates Guatemala "on its serious and dignified campaign" for the Security Council and "Guatemala would be an excellent member for the council," the statement added.

Source: Xinhua