Annan seeks Assembly approval for extending Mary Robinson's appointment

Secretary-General Kofi Annan has formally proposed that the United Nations General Assembly extend the appointment of Mary Robinson as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for one year, until 11 September 2002.

"The Secretary-General trusts that the General Assembly will approve this extension," a UN spokesman told the press today in New York. Mr. Annan's recommendation was made in a note to the General Assembly, which was released today.

The proposal follows Mr. Annan's announcement on 2 April that he had "prevailed on [Ms. Robinson], subject to approval by the General Assembly, to stay on for one more year." In mid-March, the High Commissioner had announced that she would not seek another term beyond the expiration of her current term of office this September.

Ms. Robinson, a former President of Ireland, is the second person to serve in the position of High Commissioner. José Ayala-Lasso of Ecuador was the first official to occupy the post, which was established by the General Assembly in 1993.