News
WTO DG Race: Coast clear for Okonjo-Iweala as South Korean candidate withdraws
South Korean trade minister Yoo Myung-hee on Friday abandoned her bid to become head of the World Trade Organization, Seoul said, clearing the way for Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to become the global body’s first woman and first African director-general.
Yoo had consulted with the United States — her prime backer — and other major countries and “decided to renounce her candidacy”, South Korea’s trade ministry said in a statement. The process to name a successor to Roberto Azevedo had been deadlocked since October when key WTO ambassadors tapped Okonjo-Iweala as the best pick to lead the organisation but the Trump administration maintained its opposition to her appointment.
The WTO head is normally chosen by consensus, leaving the process at a standstill. Observers suggested that South Korea was under pressure from the United States — a security ally that stations 28,500 troops in the country to defend it from the nuclear-armed North — to keep Yoo in the race. At the same time, Seoul faced anger from African countries and others for not bowing out. “Korea is stuck between a rock and a hard place,” one Western trade diplomat told AFP at the time.
The South’s decision to withdraw her candidacy comes two weeks after Joe Biden was sworn in as the new US president. “South Korea will continue to make various contributions to rebuild and enhance the multilateral trade system,” the trade ministry statement said.
-
Society News3 years ago
Jamaican man beheads wife after finding out their 6 kids are not his
-
Society News5 years ago
EXCLUSIVE: The Complete Story of Dolapo Awosika, John Fashanu and Prophet Kasali Sex Mess
-
News2 years ago
Breaking: Ex-Police IG, Tafa Balogun Dies
-
News4 years ago
Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, His Membership Of Secret Cult, And Other Issues Touching On His Public Credentials Examined by Barr. PATRICK I. BIOSE
-
News4 years ago
BREAKING: Ajimobi’s daughter-in-law blast Gov. Makinde, says gov can’t surpass ex-Oyo gov
-
News4 years ago
BREAKING: 2 arrested as NAF begins investigations into Tolulope’s death
-
News4 years ago
BREAKING: Police take over Edo House of Assembly as APC, Oshiomhole move to seize control
-
Crime4 years ago
Exclusive: Female Aide Fingered In Oko Oloyun’s Murder + Banking Transactions That Nailed Husband
Notice: Undefined variable: user_ID in /var/www/first2023/wp-content/themes/firstweekly/comments.php on line 48
You must be logged in to post a comment Login