The United Nations Security Council has unanimously backed the former Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres to become the next UN Secretary General.
In a closed-door meeting at UN headquarters in New York, the 15 Council members adopted a resolution formally presenting the 67 year old as their choice for the top job to the General Assembly.
Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin announced that they'll recommend that Mr. Guterres serve a five year term starting on 1st January 2017.
Asked what he'd say to those disappointed that a female candidate didn't win, Ambassador Churkin defended the selected process:
IN: We have had...
OUT: ...Mr Antonio Guterres
DUR: 26 seconds
http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0906churkin1.mp3
The Russian Ambassador said the unanimity of the 15 members behind Mr. Guterres candidacy wouldn't necessarily translate to all issues facing the Council, but it was encouraging:
IN: I cannot say...
OUT: ...the Security Council
DUR: 32 seconds
Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said Russia agreed that it was the turn of Eastern Europe, but ultimately, wanted the best candidate to win:
IN: From the outset...
OUT: ...the Russian Federation
DUR: 30 seconds