BRUSSELS (AP) — Romania’s president has withdrawn from the race for NATO secretary general, all but guaranteeing that outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte will head the world’s largest military organization starting in October. .
President Klaus Iohannis’ office said in a statement that Romania’s security council will support Rutte’s candidacy. He added that Iohannis informed NATO late last week that he intended to withdraw.
His departure removes the last real obstacle Rutte could face. It will also allow NATO to show unity and solidarity in the face of war-torn Ukraine when US President Joe Biden and his counterparts meet in Washington from July 9 to 11 to commemorate the alliance’s 75th anniversary.
Rutte’s appointment could be finalized during a meeting of NATO ambassadors in the coming days or when the leaders meet in Washington. He would officially take office on October 1.
NATO’s secretaries general are responsible for chairing meetings and guiding sometimes sensitive consultations among the 32 member countries, in order to ensure that an organization that operates on the basis of consensus continues to function.
On Tuesday, Hungary lifted its veto on Rutte’s candidacy after the veteran Dutch prime minister offered written assurances that he will not force Budapest to participate in the military alliance’s new plans to provide support to Ukraine if he is appointed.
Türkiye also expressed opposition to Rutte’s candidacy, but withdrew its objections in April.
NATO makes all its decisions by consensus, giving any of the 32 member countries an effective veto.
Rutte has for months been the preferred candidate of most NATO allies, including major members such as the United States and Germany.
Outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who has been in office for a decade, has been a steady hand at the helm of NATO and has proven difficult to replace.
Biden and his NATO counterparts were to have named a successor when they met in Lithuania in July 2023, but no consensus could be reached on a replacement.
At the White House on Monday, Biden joked that he would like the former Norwegian prime minister to stay in the job longer, although Stoltenberg has made clear that he does not plan to extend his term.
Romania, a NATO member since 2004, borders Ukraine and has played an increasingly prominent role in the alliance since the start of the Russian invasion.
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2024-06-21 03:46:19