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Federal Minister Westerwelle welcomes Ban Ki-moon’s candidacy for a second term as United Nations Secretary-General
On Monday (6 June) United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced in New York his candidacy to serve a second term as Secretary-General of the world organization.
Speaking in Washington, Foreign Minister Westerwelle commented as follows:
“I welcome Ban Ki-moon’s decision to run for a second term as United Nations Secretary-General. Over the past five years he has worked closely with the international community in a spirit of mutual trust. Ban Ki-moon is a man with great international experience who understands how important it is to reconcile different interests and reach fair solutions.
Germany will support his candidacy.”
Under Article 97 of the United Nations Charter, the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council. Since Germany is currently a member of the Security Council, it will support his bid for re-election.
The election itself is due to be held before the end of the year. The United Nations Secretary-General is elected for a five-year term. Ban Ki-moon’s current term ends on 31 December 2011. The Secretary-General is the world organization’s top official.