General Assembly slates appointment of new Secretary-General for Friday

The United Nations General Assembly has scheduled Friday afternoon for the official appointment of Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon of the Republic of Korea as the world body’s next Secretary-General when incumbent Kofi Annan steps down on 31 December.

Assembly President Sheikha Haya Al Khalifa of Bahrain consulted with the chairpersons of the 192-member body’s regional groups yesterday on the date for the appointment of Mr. Ban, a seasoned diplomat with lengthy UN experience who was chosen by acclamation by the 15-member Security Council on Monday as its nominee for post.

Mr. Ban, who earlier in his diplomatic career served in his country’s mission to the UN and in 2001 was Chef de Cabinet to the then Assembly President, Han Seung-soo of the Republic of Korea, was meeting with Mr. Annan at UN Headquarters in New York later today.

The last four Secretaries-General were appointed by the Assembly through a resolution adopted by consensus. A vote will take place only if a Member State requests it and a simple majority of those voting would be required for the Assembly to adopt the resolution. But the Assembly could decide that the decision requires a two-thirds majority. If a vote is taken, it will be by secret ballot.

If appointed, Mr. Ban will assume office for a five-year term on 1 January.