Statement by the President of the Security Council, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Vitaly Churkin at the Meeting of the General Assembly on the Appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations
It is an honour for me to address, in my capacity as President of the Security Council for the month of October, the General Assembly in order to convey the recommendation of the Security Council for the appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
At its 7782nd meeting, held in private on 6 October 2016, the Security Council adopted by acclamation resolution 2311 (2016) concerning the recommendation for the appointment of the Secretary‑General.
I shall now read out the text of the resolution. Resolution 2311 (2016) reads as follows:
“The Security Council,
“Having considered the question of the recommendation for the appointment of the Secretary-General of the United Nations,
“Recommends to the General Assembly that Mr. António Guterres be appointed Secretary-General of the United Nations for a term of office from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021.”
In the joint letter of the President of the Security Council and the President of the General Assembly dated 15 December 2015, the Council pledged to conclude its part in the selection process in a timely manner, so that the newly appointed Secretary-General would have sufficient time to prepare for the job. The Council is pleased that, by adopting its recommendation for the appointment on 6 October, the Council met this objective. The Security Council believes that early action upon the appointment by the General Assembly would provide for the new Secretary-General with enough time to prepare for performing his duties.
On behalf of the Security Council, I would like to express appreciation to all Member States that nominated candidates as part of the selection process. I would also like to express appreciation to the candidates who have actively participated in the process. During the informal meetings with each of them, the Council had the opportunity to evaluate their high professional skills and commitment to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
The Security Council has adopted resolution 2311 (2016) by acclamation. Accordingly, the members of the Security Council expressed their unconditional support to Mr. António Guterres, who, if appointed today, will head our common Organization of the United Nations.
In conclusion, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting soon after the recommendation made to the General Assembly by the Security Council.
