Turkey Names OSCE Chief Sinirlioglu for UN Secretary-General Race

Turkey – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk0 – Turkey has put forward OSCE chief Sinirlioglu as its candidate for the next UN secretary-general. The country’s official news agency, Anadolu, shared the news on Saturday.

Feridun Hadi Sinirlioglu currently leads the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Now Ankara wants him to take on an even bigger global role.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed the nomination letter on Friday. It has been sent to the presidents of both the UN General Assembly and the Security Council.

Anadolu cited Turkish foreign ministry sources for these details. The sources also explained why Turkey made its move now.

The race has been stuck for some time. On Friday, the Security Council held its latest straw poll, and the result was inconclusive.

That deadlock opened the door for a new name. Turkey hopes its candidate can break the stalemate.

The current secretary-general, Antonio Guterres of Portugal, will finish his second five-year term on December 31. The world body will need a new leader soon after.

Winning the job is not easy. A candidate needs at least nine votes from the 15 members of the Security Council.

Even with nine votes, there is another hurdle. None of the five major powers can use a veto against the candidate, and these powers remain deeply divided.

If a candidate clears both bars, the name moves to the General Assembly. All UN member states will then vote to confirm the choice.

For now, chief Sinirlioglu joins a crowded and uncertain contest. Much will depend on how the big powers respond in the coming weeks.