LATIN American nations sought a compromise candidate today to break the deadlock between Venezuela and Guatemala for a UN Security Council seat, although agreement still appeared elusive.
Envoys from the two nations met with Ecuador's UN ambassador, Diego Cordovez, this month's chairman of the 35-nation Latin American and Caribbean group, after which the full regional bloc will meet, diplomats said.At issue is an open Latin American seat on the 15-nation Security Council.
Guatemala is backed by the Bush administration and Venezuela sees the race as a battle against Washington and its UN ambassador, John Bolton.
After three days and 35 rounds of balloting last week, Guatemala still led Venezuela by a margin of more than two votes but less than the two-thirds required in the 192-member UN General Assembly.
Argentina's UN ambassador, Cesar Mayoral, who told reporters about the meetings, said he would like to put off the General Assembly vote, scheduled for this afternoon, by a day if a resolution is not achieved.
Both Venezuela and Guatemala have said they would consider withdrawing if an alternative candidate was found.
Venezuela prefers its ally, Bolivia, but Guatemala's foreign minister, Gert Rosenthal, made clear on Monday that Bolivia was not a suitable alternative.
Bolivian President Evo Morales said yesterday that his ally, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, had decided to pull out in favour of his country to compete for one of two Latin American seats on the 15-member council next year.
But overnight, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicholas Maduro told state television, We are maintaining our candidacy, our spirit and the inspiration behind Venezuela's bid. What the president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, said yesterday, speaking on behalf of Bolivia, is on the negotiating table, and we think that is one option .
Guatemala also confirmed its continued candidacy in an email to UN members.
Latin American states have talked of Uruguay, Paraguay, Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic for the Security Council position.
Guatemala and Venezuela are vying for the Latin American seat that Argentina will vacate on December 31. Peru stays on the council until the end of 2007.
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