The US and Russia have turned the race for United Nations secretary-general into the latest front in their escalating war for geopolitical influence, according to Politico newspaper. 

Washington, which is believed to want a woman in the UN role, has been backing Argentina's foreign minister in the selection process, UN sources say. 

Meanwhile, UN sources say Russia is angling for a female Bulgarian diplomat with family ties to the Soviet Union, a nod to its desire to see an Eastern European in the job.

Source: MENA