Jordan elected non-permanent U.N. Security Council member

UNITED NATIONS, Dec. 6 (UPI) -- Jordan Friday was elected a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council by members of the General Assembly, the U.N. said.

The General Assembly also appointed Morocco a member of the world body's Economic and Social Council's Committee for Program and Coordination.

Jordan will be on the Security Council for two years beginning in January and Morocco will be on the Economic and Social Council committee for a three-year term.

The votes were taken after the General Assembly stood for a minute of silence for late South African President Nelson Mandela, who died at his home Thursday at age 95.

"The peoples of the world stood in solidarity with Nelson Mandela in his struggle against apartheid," said Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, who said the U.N. flag had been lowed to half-staff in tribute.

"We must continue to strive to walk in his footsteps, inspired by his life and his example," he said.