New UNSG likely to be appointed by acclamation today

New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon, who surpassed Shashi Tharoor, India's candidate for UN Secretary General's post, is likely to be elected by acclamation as the next head of the world body when the General Assembly meets later today to formally appoint the successor to Kofi Annan.

Mr Annan steps down on December 31 making way for the new incumbent to take charge for a five-year period from January one, 2007.

Sources here said the Secretary-General designate will not take the oath of office immediately, as is usual, but at a later date in December, which would allow him to finish some of his current responsibilities as his country's foreign minister.

On Monday, the 15-member body chose Mr Ban as its nominee for the post, but the formal appointment rests with the 192-member Assembly.

The Assembly will then take action either by acclamation, as is usually the practice, or somebody may ask for a vote, the sources added.

Statements will be delivered by Mr Annan, the regional group chairpersons, the representative of the United States as the host country and the Secretary-General designate himself.

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