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Rubio says US sees ‘two or three very qualified people’ for top UN job
Marco Rubio said the United States sees “two or three very qualified people” for the next United Nations secretary-general, whose term will begin when Antonio Guterres leaves the post. He declined to identify Washington’s preferred candidate, saying public endorsement could harm that person’s chances, and noted that other countries also have a vote.
Diplomatic sources say the Trump administration favours Emirati diplomat Lana Nusseibeh, whose possible candidacy has drawn controversy over the UAE’s alleged support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, which the UN and US have found committed genocide in Darfur. France is also believed to back Nusseibeh. Rubio discussed the selection with French President Emmanuel Macron and called for reform of the UN system.
In short
- Rubio says the US sees two or three strong candidates.
- He declined to name Washington’s preferred candidate.
- Lana Nusseibeh is reportedly backed by the US and France.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A strong case for supporting Lana Nusseibeh is that the secretary-general needs diplomatic experience, credibility with member states and the ability to build consensus across a divided organisation. Her reported backing from the US and France could help her secure broad support, while Rubio’s emphasis on UN reform suggests Washington sees the appointment as a chance to make the institution more effective.
The case against
A strong case against her candidacy is that the secretary-general must be seen as independent and committed to the UN’s principles, especially when responding to mass atrocities. Allegations that the UAE supported Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, which the UN and US have found committed genocide in Darfur, could raise serious questions about whether her appointment would command confidence among affected communities and member states.
Explained simply
The United Nations is an international organisation where member countries work together on issues such as peace and security. Its secretary-general is the organisation’s chief official and serves a fixed term; Antonio Guterres is the current secretary-general.
The next appointment involves several countries, because the selection requires support from UN member states. Governments may put forward or back candidates, but a public endorsement can affect how other countries respond.
Lana Nusseibeh is a diplomat from the United Arab Emirates. Debate about a possible candidacy has been linked to allegations of UAE support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a party to Sudan’s conflict; the UN and US have said the force committed genocide in Darfur.
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