FORMER PRIME MINISTER ANAND CRITICIZES SURAKIART

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 006978

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/2015
TAGS: PREL TH
SUBJECT: FORMER PRIME MINISTER ANAND CRITICIZES SURAKIART
RUN FOR UN SECRETARY GENERAL POST

Classified By: AMBASSADOR RALPH BOYCE. REASON: 1.4 (D)


1. (C) During a November 3 conversation with the
Ambassador, National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) Head and
former Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun derided Deputy Prime
Minister (and former Foreign Minister) Surakiart
Sathirathai's campaign to succeed Kofi Annan as next UN
Secretary General. Anand described Surakiart's campaign as

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"pathetic." Anand said that Surakiart has no understanding
of the process. "He just doesn't understand that what counts
is the Security Council and in the Security Council it is one
country (the U.S.) that counts," Anand added. "Instead he's
flying around claiming that he has the support of all these
countries."


2. (C) Anand faulted Surakiart for assuming that the
Secretary General's chair was awarded on a rotating basis

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among the world's regions. "You've already said that you do
not accept selection by regions," said Anand, "but Surakiart
still doesn't understand this." When the Ambassador asked
Anand what the repercussions would be if the United States
supports another candidate, Anand responded "None. There
would be no blow to US-Thai relations. There are too many
other interests that are more important."


3. (C) Comment: Surakiart continues to campaign
relentlessly for the top UN job. As the December 2006 date
for Kofi Annan's end of term draws closer, the U.S. stance
towards his candidacy will increasingly become an issue here.

BOYCE