Opinions and comments have lingered in the minds of many political analysts and observers whether Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma is the next viable UN Secretary General (UNSG). With the office tenure of the incumbent UNSG expires in December 2006, there have been diplomatic campaigns launched by several contending candidates for the top post of the world highest body.
One among them is Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai, a Harvard-trained lawyer. According to the UN Charter, the Secretary General is to be appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the 15 Security Council members. However, practically speaking, the P5 (Britain, China, France, Russia and United States) ultimately remains the deciding factor.
Traditionally, the UN top post is given to relatively lesser power country which has less rivals – specifically with the five permanent members. If this has to be taken into account, the next UN chief will hail either from Asia or Africa.
As appeared on the 26th November 2005 issue of the Washington Post newspaper, "Asians contend that the next secretary general should come from their region because an Asian has not held the job since 1971, when U Thant of Burma completed a 10-year term. Russia and China agree, but the Bush administration opposes the concept of regional rotation and has urged aspirants from around the world to compete."
Therefore, it is unambiguous to tone the likelihood of the next UN chief will be from Asia. Moreover, it is also important to note that a candidate, in one way or another, has to have the endorsement of his or her country.
Indeed, the post has become one of the world's most prestigious titles especially after the col d war era. Theoretically, UN Secretary General is the head of one hundred and ninety one (191) UN member countries. Comparatively speaking, the UN has proven itself to be much more realistic and responsible than ever before.
In one of my International Relations class during my Master's Program in the U.S., my professor was very critical about the role of the United Nations permanent powers. He contended that the former "League of Nations" was much more democratic than the "United Nations." He cited how the world body, at times, has been hijacked by the five permanent members.
At the League of Nations, it used to be done with consensus. There is no doubt about the controversial nature of it. Proponents say that the P5 are the police officers policing the flow of the UN, while critics argue that there should be a body to control the abuse of power by the P5.
Basing our analysis on the above given circumstances, it is unlikely that Aung San Suu Kyi of Burma, recipient of the 1991 Nobel Peace prize for her non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights, will be given the top UN post.
At first, even if supported by the United States, Great Britian and France, the endorsement of other Security Council members is doubtful. Moreover, the SPDC (the Burmese military regime) is unlikely to project her to represent Burma at the world body.
Even if the SPDC thinks this c ould be a chance to get rid her from the country, the consent of Aung San Suu Kyi, who is held incommunicado, remains unanswered.
A simple fact may be noted that the ruling military generals will be delighted to see her leaving the country (instance of her husband's death can be cited here).
Additionally, there are other qualified contenders queuing.
* Nehginpao Kipgen - USA based Political Activist and researcher on The Rise of Political Conflicts in Modern Burma (1947-2004)
Nehginpao Kipgen contributes regularly to e-pao.net
He can be reached at [email protected]
This article was webcasted on 10th January 2006
|