India offers panel of 3 names for UN Secy Gen

The aim, they say, is to ensure wider participation by the membership in the selection process of the top executive of the organisation.

India has proposed that the UN Security Council provide a slate of three candidates for the General Assembly for the election of the world body's next Secretary-General, breaking a long-standing tradition under which the Council sends only one name, diplomatic sources said here today.

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The one name recommended is usually approved by the Assembly by acclamation.

The sources said that at meeting at the Malaysian Mission on Wednesday, representatives several Non-Aligned countries discussed the elements of the proposal presented by India and decided to set up a working group to refine the language and prepare a draft resolution for the consideration of the 191-member Assembly.

The aim, they say, is to ensure wider participation by the membership in the selection process of the top executive of the organisation and to ensure that he or she is not influenced by the major powers.

The Non-aligned Movement (NAM) has strength of 114 in the 191-member assembly.

India has been at forefront of efforts to reform the process of selection of the Secretary-General. Currently, the decision is made mostly by five permanent members -- the United States, Britain, Russia, France and China.

Under the United Nations Charter, the Assembly elects Secretary-General on the recommendation of the Security Council.