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Tyronne interested in Kofi Annan's post
By Chandani Kirinde
The election for the post of Secretary General of the United Nations is not till 2005, but a Sri Lankan candidate is likely to take part in the race.

Foreign Minister Tyronne Fernando has expressed interest in contesting for this prestigious post which falls vacant when the term of the present Secretary General Kofi Annan expires on January 1, 2006.

When asked for his comments on his interest in seeking the post, Minister Fernando said, "It is Asia's turn and it will be an honour to Sri Lanka as well and I will be available."

Heavy lobbying is needed among the UN's 189 members and more importantly the 15 members of the Security Council to gain enough support to win the top job.
It is reported that candidates from at least five other countries, including Indonesia, Thailand and Singapore, will vie for the job .

Only one Asian - Burma's U Thant - has held the post of UN Secretary General since the world body's founding in 1945. Asia's turn to hold the post was scheduled for January this year but with the Ghanaian born Kofi Annan winning a second term, the continent will have to wait a few more years to have its representative heading the world body.

Traditionally, the post rotates every ten years by region. But Africa has won an unprecedented 15 years at the helm with one five year term for Egypt's Boutros Boutros-Ghali and two terms for Mr. Annan.

Another Sri Lankan named as a possible candidate to hold the post is veteran diplomat Jayantha Dhanapala, now serving as an under-secretary at the UN.

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