1. The Security Council has primary responsibility, under the Charter, for the maintenance of international peace and security. Security Council - which met for the first time in 1946 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-11712448

2. The functions and powers assigned to the Security Council under the charter are the following: to maintain international peace and security in accordance with the principles and purposes of the UN; to investigate any dispute or situation that might lead to international friction and to recommend methods of adjusting such disputes or the terms of settlement; to determine the existence of a threat to the peace or an act of aggression and to recommend what action should be taken; to call on members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force in order to prevent or stop aggression; to take military action against an aggressor; and to formulate plans for the establishment of a system to regulate armaments.

3. The Security Council's five permanent members have the power and influence: 10 non-permanent member countries. Each member - permanent or otherwise - holds the presidency of the council for a one-month period, on a rotating basis China France Russia United Kingdom United States A State which is a Member of the United Nations but not of the Security Council may participate, without a vote, in its discussions when the Council considers that that country's interests are affected. Both Members of the United Nations and non-members, if they are parties to a dispute being considered by the Council, are invited to take part, without a vote, in the Council's discussions; the Council sets the conditions for participation by a non-member State.

4. Veto- Each of the permanent members has the right of veto, if one votes against a resolution it can not be passed, but it can be if a permanent member abstains from voting Regardless of the magnitude of the matter, regardless of how the rest of the world will be adversely affected, if one power opposes a action they can attempt to stop it from happening worldwide.

5. DRAFT RESOLUTIONS ARE DRAWN UP BY ONE OR MORE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL AND CIRCULATED PRIVATELY TO THE OTHERS. THE DRAFTS CAN BE NEGOTIATED OR CHANGED IN A PROCESS CALLED "CONSULTATIONS". IF AGREED TO BY ALL MEMBERS, THE RESOLUTION IS FORMALLY PROPOSED TO THE COUNCIL. When a complaint concerning a threat to peace is brought before it, the Council's first action is usually to recommend to the parties to try to reach agreement by peaceful means. In some cases, the Council itself undertakes investigation It may set forth principles for a peaceful settlement.

6. The UN Security Council on Monday said that as terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to international peace, the Al-Qaida and Taliban sanctions regime is an "essential tool" to combat terrorist activity. Security council vote on Libya - The vote follows a strong condemnation of human rights abuses in Libya by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday and the announcement of actions to ensure accountability. Late Saturday night, history was made in New York. Every member of the UN security council raised their hand to support a resolution condemning the gross violations of human rights in Libya. They all voted not only to impose sweeping sanctions on Libya's rulers but also to refer the situation in the country to the international criminal court (ICC) for investigations into possible crimes against humanity.

7. Thailand and Cambodia claim success at UN Security Council talks Feb 15, 2011 Bangkok/Phnom Penh - Thailand and Cambodia both claimed victory after a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting in New York to discuss their conflict near an 11th-century Hindu temple on their common border. A statement by the council released after the meeting expressed 'grave concern' at the clashes and called on both sides 'to display maximum restraint.' The council called for a permanent ceasefire and said both nations should resolve the matter by talking. It gave its support for ongoing efforts by the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to broker a solution.