Løkke: Rutte strong candidate for NATO

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has commented Tuesday on suggestions that outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte could be a leading candidate for the position of NATO secretary general, finding him to be highly competent and a strong candidate. Rutte is currently seen to be a clear favourite to become NATO’s next secretary-general, according to AFP and has also expressed his interest in the position. “We have certainly taken note of Mark Rutte’s availability. He is tremendously competent. I have known him for many years when we were Prime Minister colleagues. The Prime Minister of Denmark also has a good relationship with him,” Løkke Rasmussen said adding: “But it is not something that will be decided at today’s meeting. It must be decided among the allies.”
     While not directly pointing to Rutte as Denmark’s favourite, Løkke Rasmussen says: “I think history shows that if you start to think something too definitive about it too early in the process, you risk not advancing the solution you might really want.” Asked whether Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen was in the running for the post, Løkke Rasmussen said: “I note that Mette Frederiksen has stated very clearly that she is not a candidate for the NATO position. Now the rumour mill is underway, concentrating on other names. Mark Rutte has been mentioned and he has announced his availability. He is certainly a strong candidate,” Løkke said. /ritzau/