World Trade Organization Director-General unexpectedly resigns
Mr. Roberto Azevêdo, Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), suddenly announced his resignation on May 14.
Mr. Azevêdo, 62, is a Brazilian diplomat who has played an important role in international trade cooperation. According to the WTO's announcement, he will officially leave his position as director-general of this organization on August 31, a year earlier than his term.
Barring a sudden resignation, Mr Azevêdo's second four-year term would end in September 2021. He has served as WTO Director-General since 2013.
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| WTO Director General suddenly resigns. |
Observers say that during his tenure, Mr. Azevêdo has encountered many difficulties because of the administration of US President Donald Trump. The organization's activities have encountered many difficulties since the end of last year due to pressure from Washington's actions.
The US did not accept the appointment of replacement judges in the body that resolves disputes between member countries in late 2019.
However, Mr. Azevêdo said his resignation had nothing to do with tensions with the U.S. administration. Instead, he said he wanted to give the World Trade Organization’s member states time to choose his successor, which would be a difficult process.
"The selection process could distract us, or even worse, block us from pursuing the desired results. We could waste valuable time on a politically divisive process that has been the subject of much debate in the past," he said.
The process of selecting a successor typically begins in December 2020 with the nomination of a candidate. The selection process takes about the first three months of 2021 or longer. Mr. Azevêdo affirmed that he will continue to work to improve and strengthen the WTO until his last day in office.
