Italy's Draghi Most Likely To Become Next NATO Secretary General - Source
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published October 17, 2022 | 08:56 PM
Outgoing Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi is most likely to replace Jens Stoltenberg as the NATO secretary general, since the alliance is looking for a former high-ranking official with deep understanding of the European security architecture amid the Ukraine crisis, a NATO source told Sputnik
BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 17th October, 2022) Outgoing Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi is most likely to replace Jens Stoltenberg as the NATO secretary general, since the alliance is looking for a former high-ranking official with deep understanding of the European security architecture amid the Ukraine crisis, a NATO source told Sputnik.
"Mario Draghi, I think, has the most possibilities to get the position now, since the French, Italian, German sides agree and the Americans seem not to object," the source said.
European members of NATO, mostly France, Italy and Germany, insist that the post of the alliance's secretary general must be held by someone with thorough understanding of Europe's security architecture, given that major challenges for the alliance are now concentrated on the European continent, according to the source.
Under this approach, former European high-ranking officials with the relevant extensive experience are believed to be the best suited for the position, with two of them Draghi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis not objected to by the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada, even though the latter countries advocate for someone with "a more dynamic posture" than the outgoing Italian prime minister.
"They consider Draghi a bit moderate, and they argue that the alliance will need stronger and more determined leadership, especially now, as the alliance is facing new challenges, especially when it comes to Europe and its security," the source added.
Moreover, Ottawa calls for special attention to be paid to the Arctic, which, it believes, will become a key challenge for the alliance soon. In this regard, Canada wants to see a secretary general with deep knowledge of the security architecture not only of Europe but also of the Arctic, according to the source.
"Any one of the candidates can get the position at this stage, I think we will have a clear picture and probably the name of the next secretary general either in Christmas or a bit after it," the source concluded.
Stoltenberg's term as secretary general was due to expire this fall, but in view of the Ukraine crisis, his tenure was extended for another year, until September 30, 2023.
Rumors of Stoltenberg's possible replacement have been circulating for several years. In 2021, the Politico newspaper reported, citing its sources, that three former female presidents of Eastern European NATO countries were among possible candidates, namely Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic of Croatia, Dalia Grybauskaite of Lithuania and Kersti Kaljulaid of Estonia. In September 2022, media also speculated that Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland was one of the potential candidates to succeed Stoltenberg.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Inflation decreased from 37pc to 11pc, claims Azma Bukhari
PM vows to protection of Chinese nationals in Pakistan
Sarim Burney arrested from Karachi airport
Punjab govt puts ban on production, sale of plastic bags
Babar Azam hopeful for ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy
Imad Wasim ruled out from national squad in ICC T20 World Cup 2024 opening match
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 5 June 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 05 June 2024
SCN raises voice for halting massive deforestation in KP
IHC seeks date to hold local body elections in Islamabad
UN rights chief slams Israel over deaths of 500 Palestinians in occupied West Ba ..
India tried to kill its most wanted man on Canadian soil too, report reveals
More Stories From World
-
South Africa minister charged in vast corruption probe
3 minutes ago -
Australia's fearsome 'dinosaur bird' stares down extinction
13 minutes ago -
Higher turnout in Indian-occupied Kashmir polls reflect rejection of Modi's polices: Fai
22 minutes ago -
'Whole family cried': New gene therapy offers hope for deaf kids
23 minutes ago -
Garcia late show helps Spain qualify for Euro 2025
32 minutes ago -
India's Modi in talks with allies after close election win
43 minutes ago
-
Pakistani pilgrims commend govt. for comprehensive hajj arrangements in Saudi Arabia
43 minutes ago -
Early fires an ominous Greek summer warning: experts
1 hour ago -
Tokyo stocks end lower
1 hour ago -
Tokyo stocks open lower
1 hour ago -
Djokovic withdrawal shakes up French Open as Swiatek roars into semis
2 hours ago -
Kyiv welcomes US VP Harris participation at Ukraine summit
2 hours ago