ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, October 27, 1996 TAG: 9610280162
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-11 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: UNITED NATIONS
SOURCE: Associated Press
With the United States opposing Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Niger is promoting its former prime minister for U.N. chief to ensure that Africa keeps the top position next year.
Niger's mission to the United Nations is circulating a color brochure describing Hamid al-Gharib as ``the African alternative'' to Boutros-Ghali, whose candidacy has been endorsed by the Organization of African Unity.
The brochure describes al-Gharib's efforts to enact ``smooth reforms'' at the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the worldwide Muslim organization he has headed since 1988.
U.S. officials claim Boutros-Ghali, an Egyptian, has been sluggish in promoting reform at the United Nations. The United States says it will use its Security Council veto if necessary to block his re-election.
On Thursday, Cameroon President Paul Biya, chairman of the OAU, told the U.N. General Assembly the Africans were sticking by Boutros-Ghali. But U.S. officials believe the Africans are primarily interested in ensuring that an African holds the post for another five years.
U.S. officials have warned the Africans that their only hope is to abandon Boutros-Ghali and rally behind another African candidate.
State Department spokesman Nicholas Burns said if the Africans insist on Boutros-Ghali, ``then, of course, the United States and other countries will be looking elsewhere in the world.''
Three of the five permanent council members, who hold veto powers, back Boutros-Ghali based on the OAU recommendation. They are France, China and Russia. Britain has not taken a public position.
LENGTH: Short : 40 linesby CNB