Tanzania, April 18 -- Dar es Salaam. Towards the tail end of 1996, the race to replace UN Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali began, despite the fact that he had received the support of 14 of the 15 members of the United Nations Security Council for his second term.

The United States found sufficient reason to veto his re-selection, ultimately compelling him to withdraw his candidacy.

Consequently, this action led to the opening of the seat for other potential candidates.

It was the second time a UN Secretary General had served a single term.

It was still Africa's turn, and only an African candidate could stand for the position.

The open selection went into deadlock as France vetoed all candidates from English-speaking countries....