UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon clarified Wednesday his position on the elections of the UN Security Council's new members, saying that all the three Western European candidatures are qualified.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Ban said he is aware that Austria , Iceland and Turkey are contesting for the two seats in the Security Council for the period 2009-2010.
He recognized that "they are all eminently qualified for the seats and he wishes each of them success in their effort to secure the support of member-states of the Organization."
"As Secretary-General, he does not wish to signify any preference for one over any other," the statement said.
Ban's clarification is seen as efforts to clear the misunderstanding that have arisen during the past few days.
Accordance to Austrian magazine Profil, Ban said during his recent trip in Europe that he hoped Austria would be elected to the Security Council.
His comment, which can be interpreted as such that he has declared his support for Austria arouse dispute in the other two candidatures.
"If the secretary general is quoted correctly this is an issue that not only concerns Iceland but also all other member states," said Kristin A. Arnadottir, director of Iceland's campaign.
Hans Winkler, manager of Austria's Foreign Ministry, said Ban has personal connections with the country since he once served as South Korea's ambassador to Austria and that he had expressed his personal opinion in the interview but not as the UN Secretary General.
Source:Xinhua
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