Statement of Lithuania at the informal meeting regarding the GA resolution on appointment of the UN Secretary General
I would like to join the previous speakers in thanking the co-chairs of the Ad hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the Work of the GA, Ambassador Drobnjak of Croatia and Ambassador Emvula of Namibia, for convening this timely informal meting. Lithuania aligns itself with the statement made on behalf of the European Union. Thanks to the historic resolution 69/321, which was adopted under your skillful guidance, and thanks to the perseverance of the President of the GA, UN Member States now have a much improved process of the selection of the next SG, which allowed for insurance of much greater transparency, inclusiveness, and legitimacy, and thus provided for a stronger role of the General Assembly.
Interaction with candidates in open hearings provided the Member States with an opportunity to assess the candidates’ experience, competence, leadership abilities. The process increased the possibilities to choose the best possible candidate – a strong personality and visionary leader with proven administrative and diplomatic experience, of integrity and competence.
The selection process is well underway in the Security Council. Now, in accordance with Article 97 of the UN Charter, the GA should be appointing the new Secretary General, and it is the right time for the GA to start considering the appropriate resolution. It is important to ensure that the substance of the resolution is not linked to any individual candidate.
Appointing facilitators without delay would allow for more time to discuss different aspects of the resolution, and we welcome the PGA’s commitment in this regard. Many elements of substantial and procedural nature should be considered, such as length of term in office and mode of adoption. Proposals on the length of term in office, number of terms, gender and geographical balance, among others, have been put forward by delegations, which all merit most serious consideration.
Having in mind Member States’ diverse positions on these matters, a consensual decision will take time to emerge and will require commitment to compromise. If we want to ensure a smooth and efficient transition between the two SG, the next SG should be appointed as early as possible. We have to assess the complexity of the issue, the time frame, and the fact that we may be moving into unchartered territory, as we move forward.
Thank you.
