Morocco wishes Thailand to withdraw from race to WTO top post

A Moroccan minister has voiced wish that Thailand would withdraw its candidate to the post of director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to favor Morocco's runner to the post.

Mohamed Yazghi, minister of environment and housing, who was receiving Thailand's ambassador to Morocco, Sichat Brachimdhit, voiced hope that the Asian country would withdraw its candidacy to favor Morocco's.

"Such an initiative would strengthen solidarity among south countries and consolidate their presence in international organizations," Yazghi said.

The 134-member WTO has failed to meet at least three former deadlines to reach consensus on who will succeed Renato Ruggiero of Italy as the WTO new director-general.

Ruggiero said he will not run for the position again when his term expires next April.

Four candidates, namely Morocco's Hassan Abouyoub, Thailand's Supachai Panitchpakdi, Canada's Roy MacLaren, and New Zealand's Mike Moore are running for the post.