KRISTALINA GEORGIEVA ON EQUAL FOOTING WITH THE OTHER CANDIDATES FOR THE UN TOP JOB

Three Security Council members – Russia, Venezuela and Malaysia requested clarifications whether Irina Bokova would remain in the race for the post of UN Secretary-General. This happened after the UN had made public the letter from the Bulgarian government about the nomination of Kristalina Georgieva. Gerard van Bohemen, who holds this month’s council presidency, said that the clarifications were made and everything was settled. Georgieva has already been added to the list of official candidates for UN Secretary-General and will appear at a public hearing before the UN General Assembly at 20:000 Bulgarian time on 3rd of October.

In a formal letter, the Bulgarian representation informed the New Zeland’s diplomat Gerard van Bohemen, who holds this month’s council presidency, that Bulgaria nominates European commissioner Kristalina Georgieva for the post of UN Secretary-General. The letter also said that Georgieva was Bulgaria’s “sole and unique” candidate.

In another letter, the General Assembly President Peter Thomson informs the UN General Assembly for the change. Following clarification requested by Russia, Venezuela, and Malaysia, it became clear that Irina Bokova remains in the race for Secretary-General, despite the decision of the Bulgarian government to propose a new candidate.

At a closed meeting of the Security Council, Bohemen clarified that Bulgaria had two candidates - one officially supported by the Bulgarian government, and one which remains in the race. After having received the necessary clarifications, none of the member states of the Security Council objected to that, said Bohemen.

Georgieva is to appear in a public hearing at the UN General Assembly on 3rd o October, two days before the next straw polls, which will allow veto-holding council members – Britain, France, China, Russia and the United States – to use coloured ballots.