Slovak Foreign Minister has government support for UN top job

If the Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajčák put himself forward for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations in late 2016, he would have the full support of the Slovak government. This was announced by Prime Minister Robert Fico for the Pravda daily on Tuesday. The paper also noted that Former foreign affairs minister Ján Kubiš is also interested in the post, notes the daily. Lajčák hasn't officially commented yet on what he intends to do when Ban Ki-moon officially steps down at the end of 2016. He told the daily that there is still enough time before making a definite decision. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesman Peter Stano has said that it's a positive thing that Lajčák's name has been mentioned in connection with the top UN post. "It's an expression of recognition of the quality of Slovak diplomacy and of the expertise and ability of the minister himself", said Stano. Foreign policy analyst Pavol Demeš thinks that Lajčák has a good chance of success if he goes for the post. "Fico by his announcement that the Slovak Government would support Lajčák's candidacy for the post of UN secretary-general has confirmed what the diplomatic pigeons have been cooing about for nearly two years", said Demeš, who believes the minister has a good chance.