Argentina's president Macri nominates his top diplomat as candidate to head UN

Argentina's President Mauricio Macri on Friday nominated his Foreign Affairs Minister Susana Malcorra as candidate to succeed UN chief Ban Ki-moon as the next UN secretary general.

Malcorra, 61, would provide "creative solutions" to the global problems the UN tackles, Macri said.

Her nomination was made official in a letter Macri sent to the president of the UN General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft, and the head of the UN Security Council, Abdellatif Aboulatta.

The UNGA appoints the secretary general on the recommendation of the Security Council.

"The Argentinian government is convinced of the conditions and capabilities of Mrs. Malcorra, which will allow her to amply meet the functions of the post of secretary general of the United Nations," Macri wrote.

As a woman, Malcorra stands a good chance given that there has never been a woman UN secretary general since the world body was created in 1945, and many say the time has come.

But as a Latin American, her chances may be slim, since the general sentiment is that it is Eastern Europe's turn to lead the organization, which has already had a secretary general from Latin America and he served two terms (Javier Perez de Cuellar 1982-1991).

The field of candidates so far includes four women and five men. Ban concludes his term at the end of this year. Endit