Turkey Considers Former Diplomats for UN Secretary-General Position
As the race for the United Nations’ secretary-general continues, Turkish officials are exploring the possibility of nominating a former foreign minister. This move emerges amid a prolonged selection process characterized by uncertainty and no apparent frontrunner.
Feridun Sinirlioglu’s Potential Candidacy
Feridun Sinirlioglu, a 70-year-old seasoned diplomat and former Turkish foreign minister, has indicated his interest in the role during a recent high-level meeting at the U.N. General Assembly in New York. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the initiative is taken seriously by Ankara. For Sinirlioglu to officially enter the race, Turkey must submit a formal nomination, commencing what many consider one of the most challenging selection processes in the global political arena.
Despite attempts to reach officials in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s office and the Turkish foreign ministry, no comments were forthcoming. Currently, Sinirlioglu holds the position of secretary-general at the Vienna-based Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), a mandate that is scheduled to conclude in December 2027. However, if he is nominated for the UN role, it would take effect on January 1, 2027.
The Role of the OSCE
The OSCE comprises 57 member states, including major powers like the United States as well as contentious neighbors Ukraine and Russia. Originally established during the Cold War, the OSCE serves as a critical forum for dialogue between Eastern and Western nations. Its extensive portfolio includes areas such as conflict prevention, the promotion of human rights, election monitoring, and arms control. As of now, the OSCE is refraining from commenting on Sinirlioglu’s candidacy as he has yet to be formally nominated.
The selection of the UN secretary-general lies within the purview of the 15-member UN Security Council, particularly its five permanent members— the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France—who have been discreet about their preferences. The broader 193-member General Assembly will ultimately be responsible for confirming any candidate proposed by the council.
Challenges Ahead for Sinirlioglu
Should Sinirlioglu’s nomination proceed, he is likely to encounter resistance from various sectors within the international community, particularly from neighboring Greece, which is one of the ten elected members of the Security Council. Furthermore, opposition from Israel, a key ally of the U.S., is also anticipated. Turkey maintains a contentious relationship with Israel, primarily due to their differing interests and strategic positions in Syria.
Tensions were underscored during a recent Security Council meeting concerning Syria, where Israel’s U.N. ambassador, Danny Danon, criticized Turkey’s military presence in the region. He expressed concerns that Syria could spiral into a military base threatening Israel and accused Ankara of mirroring Iranian tactics.
In conclusion, the nomination of Feridun Sinirlioglu for the United Nations secretary-general role presents both an opportunity for Turkey and a potential source of geopolitical friction. As the diplomatic landscape evolves, the receptivity of the international community to Sinirlioglu’s candidacy will be pivotal in determining the future trajectory of the UN leadership.