UN Security Council formally nominates Guterres
Portugal’s former prime minister Antonio Guterres, who was formally nominated on Thursday to be the next U.N. secretary-general, said he faces “huge challenges” and hopes to see unity and consensus during his term.
Security Council President Vitaly Churkin, Russia’s U.N. ambassador, said members approved a resolution by acclamation recommending Guterres for a 5-year term during a closed-door meeting.
The council’s recommendation now goes to the General Assembly for formal approval, which is virtually certain. The 193-member world body is expected to vote on Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s successor next week. Ban’s second 5-year term ends Dec. 31.
Speaking at the Foreign Ministry in Lisbon, Guterres said that he hoped the consensus vote in the council, which has been deeply divided over Syria and many other issues, would turn out to be symbolic, bringing “swift decisions which the troubled world we live in demands.”