Chile welcomes formation of UN Human Rights Council
 Chile on Wednesday welcomed the United Nations General Assembly's decision to set up the Human Rights Council.

"The establishment of the Council reflects the priorities that the Chilean society gives to the unlimited respect for human rights and fundamental liberties," according to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry.

"This body is a significant achievement in the process of strengthening and promoting the universal declaration of human rights," the document said.

The UN resolution to form the Council was adopted on Wednesday by member states with 170 in favor, four against and three abstentions, among which the United States, Israel, Marshall Islands and Palau voted against it, and Iran, Belarus and Venezuela abstained.

The move represents "a step forward in addressing the legitimate concern of the international community about the effective application of appropriate standards in the world," the statement said.

"Chile hopes that all the members of the Council will know how to attend to the demands and responsibilities which the observance of all human rights and fundamental liberties demands... from the UN," it said.