Former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres sworn in as UN secretary-general
Guterres performed well among 13 candidates vying for the job in informal polls in the Security Council.
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Former Portuguese prime minister Antonio Guterres was sworn in Monday as Secretary-General of the United Nations, becoming the ninth UN chief in the body’s 71-year history.
The former UN refugee chief was elected to the top job by acclamation in the General Assembly in October. He takes over from Ban Ki-moon on Jan. 1.
Guterres, 67, performed well in answering questions before assembly members and his executive experience as prime minister and as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees from 2005-2015 propelled him to first place among 13 candidates vying for the job in informal polls in the Security Council. After the sixth poll, the council nominated him by acclamation and his name was sent to the assembly for final approval.
“We have every confidence he will lead our organization with wisdom and rectitude,” said G.A. President John William Ashe.
The swearing-in came after the 193 General Assembly members paid tribute to Ban, a tribute that ended with a standing ovation for the native South Korean.
The swearing-in ceremony included the UN’s top leaders and was attended by dignitaries including Myanmar politician and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi.
The selection of a new secretary-general had traditionally been decided behind closed doors by a few powerful countries. But this year, the process involved public discussions with each candidate who was campaigning for the job.
UN chiefs are charged with promoting sustainable development, working for peace around the globe, protecting human rights and dealing with humanitarian catastrophes.
Ban served two five-year terms.
The source:https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2016/12/12/former-portuguese-prime-minister-antonio-guterres-sworn-in-as-un-secretary-general.html
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Antonio Guterres
I’ve never met Antonio Guterres. But I’d like to.
I’ve heard two stories about Mr. Guterres.
First, people from his small Portuguese village tell me about his compassion. He’d play soccer with the local orphans. He never forgot where he was from. He was never pretentious. A true gentleman.
Second, there was the time that Jason Kenney went up to Mr. Guterres and asked why Portugal sent its worst element to Canada. In response, Mr. Guterres quietly asked Kenney:
1. Were the workers building Canada?
2. Were they well trained?
3. Did Canada pay for the training?
4. Were they honest and respectful?
5. Did Canada treat them with respect by allowing them residency?
It is fair to suggest that Mr. Guterres recognized Kenney for what he is.
Fortunately for all of us, the world has recognized Mr. Guterres for the decent man he is.
Richard Boraks, December 13 2016
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