Lavrov on UN candidates No blanket veto announced

Sep 26

In two question-and-answer exchanges about the next UN secretary-general, Lavrov emphasizes the word 'fully' in a question about Russia supporting none of the current candidates. He says several candidates are worthy and that contacts with them are continuing. Later, asked about informal voting and two leading Latin American women candidates, he explains that the Charter makes the secretary-general the organization's chief administrative officer and requires impartiality. He objects to unilateral political interpretations and wants the officeholder to reflect the membership rather than one camp. He says some candidates, including the two mentioned, meet the requirements and invokes regional rotation toward Latin America. The broadcaster's rendering of one candidate's name is unclear; it does not establish a confirmed endorsement or a blanket Russian veto. The complete exchanges preserve Lavrov's qualification and distinction between suitability and a final selection.

Lavrov stresses 'fully' when asked whether Russia supports none of the candidates, says several are worthy and says contacts continue. He favors impartial administration under the Charter and regional rotation toward Latin America, saying suitable candidates include the two women mentioned in the question. No final endorsement or blanket veto is announced; one candidate's name in the transcript remains unclear. A Vremya retelling describes the lack of full support.