Rudd well placed to take UN role: Smith

Kevin Rudd would be well credentialled to take a position with the United Nations,
Foreign Affairs Minister Stephen Smith says, however at the moment it's all
speculation.
The ousted prime minster confirmed on Thursday he had spoken with United Nations
Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon about a possible appointment.
A spokesman for Mr Rudd said the appointment would be to a panel which might look at
a number of issues related to development and would not require him to move overseas
or leave politics.
Mr Smith said his former leader would be well credentialled to take on a position
with the UN as he is regarded highly by international leaders and diplomats.
"He was the prime minister who saw Australia sign up for the Kyoto Protocol many
years after we should have," he said in Perth.
"His standing in these matters, internationally, is very high, as it should be."
But the foreign minister said in the end it was a matter for the UN to indicate what
role, if any, they would like Mr Rudd to take on.
"I haven't seen any announcement by the secretary-general of a proposed role, if any
role for Mr Rudd," he said.
"I have seen plenty of speculation."
Mr Smith refused to say that in the event of Mr Rudd accepting a role with the
United Nations and continuing his career in parliament, whether the former prime
minister would be best to serve as foreign minister.
He said Julia Gillard has already made it clear that she would welcome Mr Rudd
serving in a senior role in her cabinet.



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