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Bulgarian Shakes Up Race for U.N. Leader Bulgarian Shakes Up Race for U.N. Leader
(about 7 hours later)
UNITED NATIONS — The contest to be the next leader of the United Nations turned more complicated on Wednesday when a Bulgarian diplomat long rumored to aspire to the position formally entered the race.UNITED NATIONS — The contest to be the next leader of the United Nations turned more complicated on Wednesday when a Bulgarian diplomat long rumored to aspire to the position formally entered the race.
The candidacy of the Bulgarian diplomat, Kristalina Georgieva, who is a vice president of the European Commission and a former World Bank official, could alter the diplomatic calculus between the West and Russia over who replaces Ban Ki-moon as secretary general in January. The candidacy of the Bulgarian diplomat, Kristalina Georgieva, who is a vice president of the European Commission and a former World Bank official, could alter the diplomatic calculus between the West and Russia over who replaces Ban Ki-moon as secretary general in January. It was announced in Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, by the government of Prime Minister Boiko Borisov.
It was announced in Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, by the government of Prime Minister Boiko Borisov.
Ms. Georgieva’s candidacy puts her in direct competition with a fellow Bulgarian, Irina Bokova, the director-general of Unesco. Ms. Bokova has fared poorly in five informal straw polls of the Security Council, which selects the secretary general.Ms. Georgieva’s candidacy puts her in direct competition with a fellow Bulgarian, Irina Bokova, the director-general of Unesco. Ms. Bokova has fared poorly in five informal straw polls of the Security Council, which selects the secretary general.
Ms. Bokova said in an email message on Wednesday that she would remain in the race. But Mr. Borisov, speaking to reporters in Sofia, said that Ms. Bokova no longer had the Bulgarian government’s backing.Ms. Bokova said in an email message on Wednesday that she would remain in the race. But Mr. Borisov, speaking to reporters in Sofia, said that Ms. Bokova no longer had the Bulgarian government’s backing.
“We gave her one last chance, awaiting the results from the latest vote,” he said, referring to an informal straw poll taken on Monday. He said the government considered Ms. Georgieva “to be a more successful nomination.”“We gave her one last chance, awaiting the results from the latest vote,” he said, referring to an informal straw poll taken on Monday. He said the government considered Ms. Georgieva “to be a more successful nomination.”
Mr. Ban, a South Korean statesman, will complete his second five-year term at year’s end. The selection of his successor is ultimately in the hands of the five veto-wielding members of the Security Council, particularly Russia and the United States. The two are sharply divided, especially over the Syria war.Mr. Ban, a South Korean statesman, will complete his second five-year term at year’s end. The selection of his successor is ultimately in the hands of the five veto-wielding members of the Security Council, particularly Russia and the United States. The two are sharply divided, especially over the Syria war.
Twelve candidates have entered the race, and António Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal and former head of the United Nations refugee agency, has emerged as the clear front-runner in straw polls.Twelve candidates have entered the race, and António Guterres, a former prime minister of Portugal and former head of the United Nations refugee agency, has emerged as the clear front-runner in straw polls.
Diplomats say Ms. Georgieva is tough competition for him.Diplomats say Ms. Georgieva is tough competition for him.
Russia has insisted that the next secretary general be from Eastern Europe. While Ms. Georgieva qualifies, she is widely seen as close to the West.Russia has insisted that the next secretary general be from Eastern Europe. While Ms. Georgieva qualifies, she is widely seen as close to the West.
The Western bloc of permanent Council members — Britain, France and the United States — will have to choose between Ms. Georgieva and the front-runner.The Western bloc of permanent Council members — Britain, France and the United States — will have to choose between Ms. Georgieva and the front-runner.
Ms. Georgieva is also in a strong position because there have been calls by some diplomats and many civil society activists for a woman to lead the United Nations. For 70 years, the secretary general has been a man.Ms. Georgieva is also in a strong position because there have been calls by some diplomats and many civil society activists for a woman to lead the United Nations. For 70 years, the secretary general has been a man.
She is expected to appear at a public hearing at the United Nations General Assembly in the coming days. She is expected to appear at a public hearing at the General Assembly in the coming days.