Next UN Secretary-General Resembles His Predecessors

by Stephen Lendman

The UN is a virtual appendage of US-dominated Western policy, its secretary-general and officials serving their interests - flagrantly breaching or ignoring world body Charter principles they're sworn to uphold, especially on issues of war and peace.

On Wednesday, Security Council members chose Portugal's Antonio Guterres, aged 67, to succeed Ban Ki-moon - effective at the completion of his December 31 tenure, a disgraceful imperial tool throughout his tenure.

Expect continuity under Guterres, chosen to assure it. On January 1, 2017, he'll become the ninth UN secretary-general. From 1995 - 2002, he served as Portuguese prime minister, followed by 10 years as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 through December 2015.

In 1974 and 1975, he was Portuguese secretary of state of industry, then parliamentarian from 1976 - 1995. From January to July 2000, he was European Council president.

He's an establishment figure, assuring continued business as usual. On October 6, a Security Council resolution will make his appointment official, followed by certain General Assembly approval.

Six secret ballots were taken before his selection - 13 SC members for him, two abstaining.

A total of 12 candidates competed for the top UN post, Guterres prevailing. Expect no positive change under his leadership. Peace and human rights champions are excluded from consideration.

Since established in October 1945, the world body grew from 51 to 193 member states. Though mandated to maintain international peace and security, promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, along with economic and social advancement of all peoples, it failed on all counts - world conditions far worse today than ever.

"(S)ucceeding generations" weren't saved "from the scourge of" devastating global wars - world body performance throughout its history failing dismally. 

Will Guterres succeed where his predecessors failed? He was chosen to assure pro-Western business as usual continues unimpeded.

Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago. He can be reached at lendmanstephen@sbcglobal.net. 

His new book as editor and contributor is titled "Flashpoint in Ukraine: How the US Drive for Hegemony Risks WW III."

http://www.claritypress.com/LendmanIII.html

Visit his blog site at sjlendman.blogspot.com. 

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