According to a report by the German newspaper Bild on August 21, UN General Assembly President and former German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer is promoting the involvement of the UN General Assembly in the selection process for the next Secretary-General of the United Nations. This move has caused dissatisfaction among Russia and the United States. Both Russia and the United States have criticized Fischer for overstepping his authority, accusing him of interfering in matters that are under the jurisdiction of the UN Security Council.
The term of office for the Secretary-General of the United Nations is five years. The current Secretary-General, António Guterres, will step down at the end of this year. Currently, there are eight candidates competing for the position of next Secretary-General.
The United Nations Security Council has the decisive power to recommend a candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. According to UN procedures, the Council will hold a secret vote, with voting intentions being 'encourage', 'discontinue', or 'no opinion'. A candidate must receive at least 9 votes in favor of 'encourage', and none of the five permanent members of the Council should vote against the candidate. Only then will the candidate be recommended by the Security Council, and then appointed by the United Nations General Assembly.
Belberk attempted to reform the current selection process for the United Nations Secretary-General, aiming to make it more 'transparent, inclusive, orderly, timely, and credible'. Following recent practices, she organized public Q&A sessions with candidates and wrote to the Security Council regarding the selection process. However, during the public Q&A sessions, the organizers organized a vote among the audience regarding the candidates' intentions, which was a first in the history of the United Nations Secretary-General selection process.
Furthermore, Bell Bork also requested the Council of Ministers not to consider any candidate who has not participated in the interactive dialogue during the United Nations General Assembly.
United Nations General Assembly President, former German Foreign Minister Berberke IC photo
Belbeker's actions have caused strong dissatisfaction among Russia and the United States. Both countries have accused Belbeker of "crossing the boundary".
The alternate representative for special political affairs of the U.S. mission to the United Nations, Rosetta, criticized that "Bellbeck's actions were overstepping authority and irresponsible. She considers herself a 'diplomatic superstar' and has also indirectly accused the Security Council of not taking appropriate action. The actions of this General Assembly chairperson reveal her hypocrisy and have a negative impact on the work of the General Assembly."
Losita emphasized that in the selection process for the United Nations Secretary-General, the Security Council could consider candidates who have not participated in interactive dialogues with the General Assembly.
Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Neybenja also expressed concerns about the actions of the President of the United Nations General Assembly, who attempted to strengthen his role in the organization on his own.
