Bulgaria to Use 'All Its Resources' to Support Bokova's UN Candidacy

Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov said on Tuesday his institution would put forth all its effort into the campaign of Irina Bokova, the UNESCO Director General, to become the next UN Secretary General.

"We will do everything to contribute to the success of [her] candidacy," he told public broadcaster BNT in an interview.

Mitov rejected accusations that Bulgaria's move to nominate Bokova as a candidate was "belated".

The Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday it had submitted the candidacy of Bokova, after months of speculation that it might be considering other options.

EU Commission Vice President Kristalina Georgieva, who has never said she would be seeking the nomination but was unofficially described as a "candidate", on Monday was reported as telling Prime Minister Boyko Borisov she would carry on in her present position.

Borisov and the main ruling GERB party are said to have favoured the endorsement of Georgieva, but this has never been confirmed, with Borisov making clear Sofia will submit its nomination by the end of March.

Mitov fended off suggestions that "support throw behind Bokova by certain parties and politicians contributed to [her nomination". He was referring to left-wing ABV party's threats to withdraw support for the government if it fails to endorse Bokova (ABV has a Deputy PM in the minority cabinet).

He made clear the move to officially submit Bokova's candidacy weeks after the nomination period had been kicked off had "tactical" dimensions.