Jeremic: Nothing good can be expected from Baerbock as UNGA President

Former Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia to Germany, Zoran Jeremic, told Kosovo Online that nothing good can be expected from Annalena Baerbock, whom Berlin has nominated for the position of President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

"What she will do will be detrimental to de-escalation in international relations, and in that light, one should also consider her stance on Kosovo—if she even takes one. Serbia attaches great importance to the UN’s position on Kosovo and Metohija due to the presence of UNMIK and NATO missions as significant factors. That is why it would be crucial to have a rational and reasonable diplomat in this role, someone open to dialogue, and Baerbock is none of those things," Jeremic stated.

Regarding Baerbock, Germany's outgoing Foreign Minister, Jeremic pointed out that she faces strong animosity in international circles. He believes Germany would not have put her forward without first ensuring she has the necessary majority support in the UNGA vote.

"She has a very poor reputation in many countries, particularly in those whose votes will be needed, such as China and India. I assume they have already secured most of the necessary backing. If not, then this will be a failed move because Baerbock’s name, her track record, and her actions—both for Germany and the world—offer no guarantees," Jeremic remarked.

He assumes that an internal agreement has already been reached within the Western European group of countries and that Baerbock will run unopposed.

"This is the same group that operates from London and prepares for the continuation of the war in Ukraine. They are pushing her forward because they want someone in the UN who can interpret their views. They see Baerbock as the best choice for this role, as she has proven herself to be Europe’s top war hawk—and that is precisely what they need in the UN," Jeremic assessed.

Considering Germany’s aspiration to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council, Jeremic does not believe that any country is ready to reform the UN in such a way.

"Nobody wants that. Baerbock attempted it last September with Namibia when they worked on the Pact for the Future of the United Nations. That was an effort to raise the issue of UN reform in a way that would also open the door for Germany’s Security Council bid. However, I do not believe that international conditions are ripe for such a change—especially among the current veto-holding powers. With Baerbock at the helm, such an initiative has absolutely no chance," Jeremic concluded.