Posted on 01/13/2006 3:53:23 PM PST by Sub-Driver
Clinton backs Blair as future UN chief
10 minutes ago
Former US president Bill Clinton backed British Prime Minister Tony Blair as a future secretary general of the United Nations.
Clinton told BBC television Blair would make a "good" head for the international organisation when he leaves office, as he has indicated he will before the next general election, expected by 2010 at the latest.
The pair -- who became friends during Clinton's time at the White House between 1993 and 2001 -- had discussed Blair's future and Clinton had told him there was "a lot of good you can do in the world" after leaving Downing Street.
He also predicted Blair, 52, would find "immense rewards" when he stood down, particularly from lucrative speaking engagements, books and directorships.
Asked if Blair should run for UN secretary general, Clinton, 59, said: "That would suit me. He would be a good one."
The current secretary general Kofi Annan's term in office ends on December 31 this year.
Blair, who has not indicated when he will make way for his expected successor, finance minister Gordon Brown, said last week he was likely to go nearer the next general election than sooner.
Westminster observers have pencilled in 2008 as the earliest date Blair will hand Brown the keys to Downing Street and he is thought to be keen to secure another leading role on the world stage.
Clinton, who set up the Clinton Foundation to campaign on issues such as the fight against HIV/Aids and promoting racial, ethnic and religious harmony, said Blair may wish to tread a similar path.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
It really is. Poor Blair... Clinton's endorsement (and career advice) is not what Blair needs.
Everyone who knows Clinton knows the only reason why he is backing Blair is, because in doing so, he feels Blair will now owe it back to Clinton if he wants the job.
Exactly. Nothing is ever as it seems with him. It's his way of reminding people that he wants to be offered the job.
You may be on to something.
Can be alot worst that Blair...
again I ask, who gives a flying f*$k what Clintoon thinks?
I thought Blair couldn't be Secretary General for the same reason Clinton can't be. Both the US and the UK are on the Security Council.
For sure.
As if he has anything to do with it.
I'm not sure a member with a veto can provide the SecGen.
Eric and leadpenny ... thanks for the validation from you fellow old-time FReepers. We've been at this back when most here were still in cyper-diapers.
Is this because he leads an 'emerging third-world' country?
Clinton backs Blair as future UN chief... I was gonna say, Blair must be REALLY pissed.
Of course, should he get the job, I would sleep with one eye open cause Billy wants the job.
Exactly - that was my thought, too, that this is all about Slick starting his own campaign for the post - and he thinks it will be fine if Blair follows him - but it's mainly about Slick getting Tony and friends to back Willie for Secy. General now. What an appalling idea!!!!!
ABC...!!!
You took the words right off my keyboard! ;^D
You've nailed it.
Bingo!
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