The newspaper reports that the United States has encouraged Orban to enter the race and presented him with an initial proposal. The plan would make him a joint candidate of the United States, Russia and China.
Orban was reportedly open to the proposal but wanted assurances that he would win before making his candidacy public. He has not made a final decision.
A US diplomat cited by the newspaper said Russia and China support the idea. A US State Department official reportedly said Orban could secure at least eight votes on the Security Council, with two more potentially within reach.
A candidate needs at least nine votes in the 15-member Security Council and must avoid a veto from any of its five permanent members: the United States, China, Russia, France and the United Kingdom.
France or the United Kingdom could block Orban’s candidacy with a veto.
Former UAE ambassador to the UN Lana Nusseibeh has formally announced her candidacy.
Trump backed Orban in Hungary’s April election, which he lost. Orban’s candidacy is expected to be disclosed after the US elections on 3 November.
The current UN secretary-general, António Guterres, is due to leave office on 31 December.
(sp)
Source: IAR/PAP