Former Salvadoran leader said to need another six votes for top OAS job
Former Salvadoran President Francisco Guillermo Flores Perez has gained 12 votes of the needed 18 to win the post of secretary-general of the Organization of American States (OAS), said reports from the capital San Salvador on Friday.

At a press conference on Friday, Salvadoran President Elias Antonio Saca said they have gathered 12 votes in favor of Flores so far.

"But the final results will be known after a secret voting, as someone could promise you things, you take his word for granted, but in the end he changes his mind," said Saca.

He said Flores' candidacy "has given prestige to the OAS, as heis a former president, a man who knows international reality."

The election has been postponed to next Monday due to mourning over the death of Pope John Paul II.

Other candidates are Chilean Interior Minister Jose Miguel Insulza and Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Derbez. The winner will have to grab at least 18 votes from the 35 OAS members.

Saca said none of the candidates could claim victory now. He believed the post should be held by Central American countries which are the most stable region in the continent. "Yet, that will depend on the voters." he added.