Fico: Lajcak's Nomination for UNSG Is Historic Moment for Slovakia

Bratislava, May 25 (TASR) – The official candidacy of Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak for the post of United Nations secretary-general is a historic moment for Slovakia, said Prime Minister Robert Fico after his Cabinet approved Lajcak’s bid on Wednesday.

“Slovakia has never nominated a candidate for such an international post,” emphasised Fico, adding that this candidacy is proof that Slovakia has brought up a whole generation of excellent diplomats. “Miro Lajcak is currently undoubtedly at the top of this pyramid,” he stressed.

The premier said that the candidacy was passed unanimously and immediately sent to the relevant UN authorities. Fico stated that the Cabinet will take all necessary steps towards supporting Lajcak, adding that Lajcak’s participation will help to make a better name for Slovakia.

Fico stated that Slovakia will offer an “extraordinarily first-rate candidate” whose name is often mentioned when speaking about the top contenders. He said that the idea of nominating Lajcak didn’t come from the Foreign Affairs Ministry or from Lajcak himself. It happened spontaneously when his name began to be mentioned in international circles.

The ninth UN secretary-general could well come from eastern Europe, which makes Lajcak’s chances not theoretical but really practical, said Fico, although he also conceded that a woman might become the head of the UN for the first time ever. “We have no reservations towards such an approach, but the criterion of quality needs to be considered in first place,” he stressed.

Lajcak has become the 11th candidate overall and the seventh from states of eastern Europe. He’ll take part in a second round of informal interviews at the UN General Assembly in New York on June 7.