MOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. The United Nations is in a state of prolonged crisis, and the Russian side is attentive to all candidates for the post of secretary-general, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told journalists.

Earlier, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Grossi, who is one of the candidates for the next head of the world organization, expressed the opinion that the UN is gradually losing its relevance and slowly dying.

"The UN is in a certain state of crisis. This crisis is protracted, and the current leadership of the United Nations and specifically its secretary-general fully understand the essence of the claims that the Russian side has raised against him," the deputy minister noted.

"Of course, giving sharp assessments is a quality that commands respect. And we listen to all signals from all candidates for this post regarding what they intend to do if each of them succeeds in reaching the final stage and being elected. But assurances, words, promises, and statements are not enough. Concrete actions are needed," Ryabkov emphasized, commenting on Grossi's remarks.

The deputy foreign minister noted that the Russian side's claims relate, among other things, to the absolute predominance of citizens of Western countries in the leadership of the international structure, the lack of impartiality, and the policy of double standards. "All of this will need to be radically corrected by the future Secretary-General. Whether the IAEA Director General is capable of such steps is the question," Ryabkov added.