MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Bolivia, Venezuela's candidate for the Security Council

Bolivia will replace Venezuela as the candidate for the non permanent seat of the United Nations Security Council, announced late Tuesday Bolivian president Evo Morales.

Mr. Morales said that President Hugo Chavez rang him earlier in the day to tell him of his decisión.

"Commander Chavez rang me this morning and told me that since he couldn't obtain the two thirds needed for the Security Council seat, he therefore leaves the option open to Bolivia. We are therefore candidates to the non permanent seat of the Security Council", said President Morales during an official ceremony in La Paz.

Venezuela failed against Guatemala in obtaining the necessary votes after 35 ballot rounds in the UN General Assembly.

Earlier in the day in Caracas, Venezuelan Foreign Affairs minister Nicolas Maduro admitted the possibility of pulling out from the dispute with Guatemala, but on three conditions.

"We could consider that option if Guatemala pulls out, if United States ceases its coarse blackmail to other world governments and if a transparent process of conversations is opened", said Nicolás Maduro in an interview with a local television program in Caracas.

Guatemala and Venezuela are disputing one of the two years non permanent seats representing South America in the Security Council and which Argentina vacates next January.

Maduro said Venezuela could accept a consensus alternative "in spite of having the support of almost 80% of all Latinamerican and Caribbean countries".

"We're always willing to talk, but if those three conditions are not respected we will insist with our candidacy", he underlined.

Guatemalan officials have said all along that they would insist with their candidacy because "we've been ahead in all voting rounds".

UN General Assembly voting on the issue is scheduled to resume Wednesday.