Turkey’s foreign ministry is quietly exploring the possibility of nominating Feridun Sinirlioglu, a 70‑year‑old former Turkish foreign minister and seasoned U.N. diplomat, for the top job at the United Nations. The idea was floated on the sidelines of a high‑level United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York last week, according to two diplomats who spoke on condition of anonymity about the confidential process.
Potential candidacy gaining traction
Both diplomats said the push for Sinirlioglu’s candidacy appears serious and is being coordinated from Ankara. If Turkey decides to move forward, it would have to submit a formal nomination to begin the lengthy selection process that many within the United Nations describe as one of the toughest job interviews in the world.
Sinirlioglu currently serves as the secretary‑general of the Vienna‑based Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). His three‑year mandate at the OSCE is set to conclude in December 2027, but the U.N. secretary‑general position would begin on Jan. 1, 2027, creating a potential overlap that would require a transition plan.
Official response and international context
The office of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment. An OSCE spokesperson noted that, because Sinirlioglu has not yet been nominated, the organization would not comment on the matter.
The selection of the U.N. secretary‑general ultimately rests with the 15‑nation U.N. Security Council, especially its five permanent members – the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France – which have traditionally kept their preferences private. The 193‑member General Assembly must give final approval.
Geopolitical hurdles
Should Turkey move ahead with Sinirlioglu’s nomination, the candidate is likely to encounter resistance from several quarters of the international community. Greece, a fellow Security Council member, and Israel, a close U.S. ally, are expected to voice objections.
Turkey’s close ties with the Syrian government and its ongoing military assistance to Syrian forces have strained relations with Israel. During a recent Security Council meeting on Syria, Israel’s ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, criticized Turkey’s military presence, accusing Ankara of following an “Iranian proxy playbook” and establishing bases that threaten Israeli security.
What this could mean for the U.N. race
If Turkey proceeds, Sinirlioglu would join a crowded field of candidates vying for the secretary‑general role as the month‑long race continues without a clear front‑runner. His extensive diplomatic experience, including his tenure at the OSCE, could appeal to members seeking a candidate with a strong background in conflict prevention, human‑rights monitoring, election observation and arms‑control negotiations.
However, the political dynamics of the Security Council and the broader geopolitical tensions involving Turkey, Greece and Israel suggest that any Turkish nomination will be closely scrutinized. The outcome will depend on how member states balance regional interests, alliance considerations and the desire for a leader who can navigate the complex challenges facing the United Nations today.
Looking ahead
As the nomination window remains open, observers will watch for an official announcement from Ankara. The decision will not only affect Turkey’s standing in the international arena but also shape the broader diplomatic contest for the world’s most influential multilateral institution.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
