Tuesday, July 25 2006 10:46 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: India's candidate for the post of UN Secretary-General, Shashi Tharoor, has got the second highest endorsements in the first informal poll held by the 15-member Security Council for the top post.

The straw poll conducted last night saw South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki Moon getting the highest endorsements. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai came third and Sri Lanka's candidate Jayantha Dhanapala received the fourth highest endorsements, diplomats said.

The straw poll was held for the four declared candidates marking the beginning of a selection process which could last till October.