THE United Nations Secretary General, Dr Boutros Boutros Ghali, yesterday opened the door for other African candidates to be submitted for his job.
The UN Security Council president, Mr Paolo Fulci of Italy, told reporters that Dr Boutros Ghali "has indicated to me that he intends to suspend his candidacy for the time being".
"The council this afternoon underlined the need to have as soon as possible candidates from African member states so it can discharge its responsibilities under the (UN) charter," he said after the council wound up a two hour meeting on the issue.
The UN Security Council submits its choice of UN chief to the UN General Assembly for election. The British ambassador, Sir John Weston, stressed that "time is running out" as the UN chief's mandate expires on December 31st.
Dr Boutros Ghali's move came after Washington on November 19th cast a lone veto in the 15 member council against his candidacy.
"We welcome the suspension of his candidacy. It is going to allow the names of other well qualified African candidates to be forwarded to the United Nations Security Council," said White House spokesman, Mr David Johnson.
But Dr Boutros Ghali's spokeswoman, Ms Sylvana Foa, stressed that the 74 year old Egyptian was not withdrawing his candidacy.
"He maintains his candidacy, he is a candidate for a second term. He has simply expressed the wish that he does not feel that there is a need to put his name up for another vote at this time," she said.
Asked how long he would remain on the sidelines, Ms Foa said: "Until the situation clarifies. He is no fool."
As of yesterday, no other candidates had been officially advanced by governments, Mr Fulci said. But three - Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Niger - had informally contacted the Security Council concerning their candidates, according to diplomats.