U.S. Faces Tough Battle In U.N.

The United States’ battle to oust Boutros Boutros-Ghali begins in earnest next week, when the Security Council opens consultations on selecting the next U.N. secretary-general.

In a letter Tuesday to the Security Council, Egyptian Ambassador Nabil Elaraby formally nominated Boutros-Ghali for re-election, citing endorsements by African and Arab countries.

“The candidature of Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali enjoys wide support by the majority of the United Nations membership, and it is my government’s hope that the outcome of the council’s discussions will duly reflect the will of the majority,” the letter said.

The Clinton administration opposes a second term for Boutros-Ghali, saying he has been lukewarm on reforming the United Nations. African countries and their allies on the council - China, France and Russia - support a second term for the Egyptian diplomat, whose first five-year term expires Dec. 31.

Ambassadors from the United States and 14 other nations on the Security Council start consultations Monday on the secretary-general election.

U.S. Ambassador Madeleine Albright urged her colleagues to call a vote on Monday, diplomatic sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity. No decision was made, however, on the timing of what could be the first of several rounds of voting.

The three African council members - Botswana, Guinea-Bissau and Egypt - are considering submitting a resolution Monday urging Boutros-Ghali’s re-election. The Organization of African Unity already has endorsed Boutros-Ghali.

Under U.N. procedures, the council agrees on a candidate and forwards the name to the full 185-member General Assembly for ratification. The five permanent members - the United States, China, Russia, France and Britain - hold veto power in the council.