USA: WASHINGTON: IRISH PRESIDENT MARY ROBINSON VISIT

(13 Jun 1996) Natural Sound

The president of the Irish Republic is to begin an official tour of Washington later today.

Mary Robinson's visit has provoked more than the usual interest because of speculation that she is a strong candidate for the top job at the United Nations.

Irish President Mary Robinson's cortege swept into Washington DC Wednesday, hours before she was to start her tour of the US capital officially.

Her visit has provoked more than the usual interest because of speculation that she is a strong candidate for the top job at the United Nations.

The term of office of the current Secretary-General, Dr Boutros Boutros-Ghali, expires on 31 December.

Dr Boutros-Ghali says he has not decided whether to seek a second term.

And US Senator Edward Kennedy has promoted Robinson as a possible successor.

The secretary-general is nominated by the 15-member Security Council and elected by the General Assembly, which includes all 185 member states.

The assembly traditionally accepts the Council's choice.

The Clinton administration has not decided whether to support Dr Boutros-Ghali, although he is widely unpopular in Washington.

In what could be seen as a pitch for the job, Robinson on Wednesday talked about the role of the UN.

Speaking in New York at the Foreign Policy Association, she avoided criticising the US directly for not paying the more than one (b) billion dollars it owes the organisation.

But she faulted developed countries in general for ignoring the social and economic crises in Africa.

She also said the United Nations must go beyond its traditional roles and encourage global solidarity in the next century.

All of which will only increase support for her nomination in the circles where it matters.

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