Never a dull moment…that characterizes the UNSG race to date.

There has been much activity during the past several days. Namely in Asia. Lets look.

So Much for Free Speech

Surakiart Sathirathi has filed a defamation case against former Ambassador Asada Jayamana who questioned the Surakiart’s qualifications according to the June 27th edition of the Bangkok Post. One has to ask what ever happened to free speech in Thailand. Moreover, filing defamation suits is a trend among authoritarian political figures in Asia (Singapore and Cambodia are cases in point). The case centers around an apparent conversation that Surakiart had with Singapore that demanded the city-state’s endorsement or it would strain Thai-Singaporean relations. Anyway, the bottom line is that democratic countries such as the US, England and France (Perm 5 Members) are likely to take a dim view of someone who is so quick to resort to the courts. Besides, a S-G needs thick skin.

Singapore Sling?

But perhaps Surakiart’s biggest problem might be the rumor that Singapore PM Goh is quietly testing Perm 5 waters. If he does decide to run it would blow apart the ASEAN endorsed candidacy of Surakiart and move him to a back seat in the race.

Goh is an intriguing candidate. Someone who might be acceptable to China, western oriented enough for the US and Brits, and—and this is important—not from a country potentially carrying an agenda into the position (such as an Indian candidate Shashi Tharoor) that could threaten Perm 5 members. This is a candidacy worth watching and another report or two will get him his picture in Whose Hot.

Ramos-Horta Resigns

The Foreign Minister quit his job and is now apparently is aiming to run for the position of Prime Minister of Timor-Liste. If he does it will eliminate him from the SG race as you don’t make a commitment to a prime ministership of a country in crisis while campaigning for the SG.

News from Europe

Europe has been relatively quiet as of late. I hope I am not missing anything. Many thanks for your e-mails and comments. The web master appreciates your input.

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