Gen Asmbly to vote for Moon as UN chief tomorrow

United Nations, Oct 12: The United Nations General Assembly has scheduled for tomorrow afternoon the official appointment of South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon as the world body's next Secretary-General after incumbent Kofi Annan steps down on December 31.

Assembly President Sheikha Haya Al Khalifa of Bahrain had consulted with heads of the 192-member body's regional groups on the day for the appointment of Mr Ban, a seasoned diplomat with long UN experience who was chosen by acclamation by the 15-member Security Council on October 9 as its nominee for the post.

Mr Ban, who earlier in his diplomatic career served in his country's mission to the United Nations, was chef de cabinet to then Assembly President Han Seung-soo of South Korea in 2001.

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 January 1.

UNI

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