UN offers Oz ex-PM top climate job

London, July 22 (ANI): Former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is considering a Unitrd Nation's (UN) offer to assume the role of climate change advicer.

According to the Daily Telegraph, a statement released from Rudd's office has said that the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon telephoned him a few weeks back and among other matters, raised the possibility of Rudd of being appointed to a United National panel, which might look at a number of issues related to development.

Earlier, Rudd had said that he intends to serve a full term if elected in Griffith, saying any role with the UN would only be part time. However, last week in his visit to the US, Ban told Rudd that he would not be required to move to New York and attending a few meetings a year would suffice. This would also allow him to remain the MP for Griffith.

"When in New York last week, Rudd met with the UN Secretary-General who explained that such a panel may comprise of a significant number of former and current heads of government, prime ministers and ministers from developing and developed countries," the statement added.

Meanwhile, Rudd, who stood aside as Prime Minister for Julia Gillard on June 24, began campaigning in Griffith from July 21, 2010.

Diplomats in New York said that Rudd's appointment terms and start date have not been fixed as yet.

"We don't comment on appointments until they're announced," a UN spokesman in New York said referring to Rudd's recent meeting with Mr Ban as a "courtesy call". (ANI)