WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is declining to say whether it will oppose Venezuela’s bid to grab a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Monday that it’s up to Latin America and the Caribbean to choose a representative that supports the principles of the U.N. charter, contributes to the council’s mission of maintaining international peace and advances human rights.

She said the United States won’t disclose its voting preference or conversations with other nations on Venezuela’s candidacy. Still, she reiterated concerns about the socialist government’s human rights record and respect for democracy.

Thirty-three Western hemisphere countries in July unanimously nominated Venezuela to represent the region for a two-year term on the U.N.’s most powerful body. Secret voting by the General Assembly takes place next month.

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