Ban Ki-moon appointed new UN Secretary-General

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday appointed by acclamation South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon as the world body's next Secretary-General to succeed Kofi Annan when he steps down on Dec. 31.

The General Assembly adopted a resolution on his appointment by acclamation after Japanese Ambassador Kenzo Oshima, Security Council President for October, reported to the Assembly on the Council's recommendation of Ban.

In his speech, incumbent Secretary-General Kofi Annan congratulated Ban on his appointment. "I think everyone here recognizes the depth of your experience, the breadth of your connections, and your ability to operate effectively at the highest levels," he said.

Annan said Ban's early election will give the Organization a head start in ensuring the smoothest possible transition.

Citing the UN first Secretary-General Trygve Lie's remarks in greeting his successor Dag Hammarskjold which described the post of Secretary-General as "the most impossible job on Earth," Annan told Ban it is also "the best possible job on Earth."

In his acceptance speech, Ban Ki-moon said he was honored to become the second Asian to lead the Organization following U Thant who served the world body four decades ago, adding that Asia is dynamic and diverse, and Asia aspires to take on greater responsibilities for the world.

While noting that Asia is a region where modesty is a virtue, he said it does not mean the lack of commitment or leadership.

Ban noted that the UN's core mission in the previous century was to keep countries from fighting each other, in the new century, the defining mandate is to strengthen the inter-state system so that humanity may be better served amidst new challenges.

He pledged efforts to seek to build consensus through a free exchange of ideas and critiques and make himself accessible and proactive in reaching out to all stakeholders.

U.S. ambassador to the UN John Bolton, speaking on behalf of the host country, said the United States believes Ban is the right person to lead the United Nations at this decisive moment in its history, particularly as the UN struggles to fulfill the terms of the reform agenda that world leaders agreed to last fall.

"We are confident that Foreign Minister Ban will both represent and instill the highest standards of integrity within the United Nations system," he said.

Chairs of various regional groups also made speeches at the session, congratulating Ban on his appointment and pledging support to his new job.

Source: Xinhua