59 STAT.] MULTILATERAL-CHARTER OF UNITED NATIONS-JUNE 26,1945 United Nations to the maintenance of interna- tional peace and security and to the other pur- poses of the Organization, and also to equitable geographical distribution. 2. The non-permanent members of the Se- curity Council shall be elected for a term of two years. In the first election of the non-permanent members, however, three shall be chosen for a term of one year. A retiring member shall not be eligible for immediate re-election. 3. Each member of the Security Council shall have one representative. Functions and Powers Article 24 1. In order to ensure prompt and effective action by the United Nations, its Members confer on the Security Council primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and agree that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility the Security Council acts on their behalf. 2. In discharging these duties the Security Council shall act in accordance with the Purposes and Principles of the United Nations. The specific powers granted to the Security Council for the discharge of these duties are laid down in Chapters VI, VII, VIII, and XII. 3. The Security Council shall submit annual and, when necessary, special reports to the Gen- eral Assembly for its consideration. Article 25 The Members of the United Nations agree to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council in accordance with the present Charter. Article 26 In order to promote the establishment and maintenance of international peace and security with the least diversion for armaments of the world's human and economic resources, the Se- curity Council shall be responsible for formulat- ing, with the assistance of the Military Staff Com- mittee referred to in Article 47, plans to be sub- mitted'to the Members of the United Nations for the establishment of a system for the regulation of armaments. Voting Article 27 1. Each member of the Security Council shall have one vote. 2. Decisions of the Security Council on pro- cedural matters shall be made by an affirmative vote of seven members. 3. Decisions of the Security Council on all other matters shall be made by an affirmative vote of seven members including the concurring votes of the permanent members; provided that, in deci- sions under Chapter VI, and under paragraph 3 of Article 52, a party to a dispute shall abstain from voting. Procedure Article 28 1. The Security Council shall be so organized as to be able to function continuously. Each member of the Security Council shall for this pur- pose be represented at all times at the seat of the Organization. 2. The Security Council shall hold periodic meetings at which each of its members may, if it so desires, be represented by a member of the government or by some other specially designated representative. 3. The Security Council may hold meetings at such places other than the seat of the Organization as in its judgment will best facilitate its work. Article 29 The Security Council may establish such sub- sidiary organs as it deems necessary for the per- formance of its functions. 1041
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