New UN Secretary General, António Guterres, elected by the General Assembly yesterday, has a number of qualities, which make it possible to rely on his successful tenure as Secretary General, first of all, his work experience in the United Nations, in particular, in the structure, which is solving the "painful" for Europe and the whole world issue of refugees.
A member of the European Research Centre of the International Relations Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladimir Olenchenko, speaking with a correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza, said.
"First, Guterres is an experienced diplomat and politician, as he was the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. On the one hand, this topic is delicate, on the other hand is actual, and it also requires a very careful and delicate attitude. Guterres was able to organize his work in such a way that it does not cause rejection of any countries. Let me remind you, during the voting not a single vote was cast against him. I believe that this is a very a positive signal," the expert said.
He stressed that the future field of activity of the UN Secretary General is familiar to Guterres. "I would like to draw attention also to the fact that the selection for the post of UN secretary-general lasted about two years. If we follow the principle of rotation, then theoretically we should elect someone from Eastern Europe. But, apparently, they have not gained enough popularity or experience to lead the world organization," the member of the European Research Centre of the International Relations Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences suggested.
According to the expert, the candidacy of the new UN secretary-general is successful for Russia. "Guterres did not give cause for concern during his previous activities that he would act to the detriment of Russia. And the history of the Russian-Portuguese relations has no conflicts," the expert said.
Vladimir Olenchenko also welcomed the intention of Guterres to work on the rapprochement between Russia and the United States. "This statement shows the breadth of his views, that he recognizes the objective reality of the world, that is, he notes that there are two major powers - Russia and the United States - much in the world depends on which," the expert noted.
"I also like his emphasis on the fact that the normalization of the negotiation and business process between Russia and the United States is a positive and motivating example for other countries," he gave an example.
