WikiLeaks cable: NZ's position on OECD Sec Gen selection

November 9, 2005
NZ's position on OECD Sec Gen selection

source:Embassy Wellington
origin:05WELLINGTON876

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/09/2015
TAGS: ETRD, ECON, EFIN, NZ, OECD
SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND'S POSITION ON OECD SEC GEN SELECTION

REF: SECSTATE 204906

(U) Classified by Political-Economic Counselor Katherine B.
Hadda. Reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d).

(C) New Zealand agrees with the United States and believes
Jose Angel Gurria to be the best candidate for Secretary
General of the OECD. While New Zealand also sees both
candidates -- Gurria and Marek Belka -- as qualified, it
considers Gurria as more capable. Its preference for Gurria
is merit-based and not politically motivated. Post discussed
reftel points on November 9 with Koro Dickinson in the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Economic Division.
McCormick