Prince Zeid may get OIC, Arab votehttp://images.photogallery.indiatimes.com/images/spacer.gif \* MERGEFORMATINET

By Indrani Bagchi
September 8, 2006
Times of India
Original Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1967534.cms

NEW DELHI: In the July straw polls for the UNSG at the Security Council, Shashi Tharoor polled the second highest after Korean foreign minister Ban ki Moon. 

And the US ambassador, John Bolton, actually crossed out all four names on his list! It was a strong signal that none of the contenders was believed to be serious. 

China too weighed against Tharoor and the assessment in South Block is no candidate has a fighting chance without the backing of the US and China. 

After India declared Tharoor as its candidate, Indian diplomats have been out there lobbying for their man. Tharoor too has done the rounds of Africa and European countries, even dropping in on Beijing. 

The PM too did his bit for Tharoor in the G-8 summit in St Petersburg, and special envoys have been sent out to different capitals. Significantly, there has been no endorsement for Tharoor from either the US or China. 

Prince Zeid is expected to get the OIC vote as well as the Arab League support. And it may be a good occasion to get the Russians and Chinese on board.